Pandemic Planning for Schools

This page was updated on September 2, 2009

At the end of this past April, Massachusetts confirmed its first case of H1N1 influenza (swine flu) and by June, the World Health Organization had raised the alert level to Phase 6, indicating widespread human infection and the need for coordinated response and mitigation efforts. Tthe CDC predicts that the virus will spread significantly this autumn when children return to school and the regular flu season arrives.

To prepare for a possible new wave of influenza, this past summer the Office of Risk Management and the Catholic Schools Office drafted a Pandemic Plan for Catholic Schools. This plan, which contains recommendations and resources specifically designed for the schools within the Archdiocese of Boston, can be downloaded here:

Pandemic Planning Document for Catholic Schools (2.26 MB)

How can I schedule a flu clinic at my school?

Other Resources

Below is a list of updated resources. Some are links to websites and some are PDF files to download. You will need to download and install a free version of Adobe Reader in order to view the PDFs. To download the Adobe Reader, follow this link.

CDC's Guidance for State and Local Public Health Officials & School Administrators for School (K-12) Responses to Influenza during the 2009-2010 School Year

CDC School Flu Tool Kit

K-12 Checklist The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the CDC devised this checklist as a framework to assist schools in developing and/or improving plans to prepare for and respond to an influenza pandemic.

Fact Sheets

As part of the pandemic planning effort, we have developed Fact Sheets for the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, face masks and respirators:

Hand Sanitizer Fact Sheet
Face Mask and Respirator Fact Sheet

How can I order hand sanitizing supplies?

The Office of Risk Management has teamed with Claflin Co., a medical supplies and service vendor, to offer alcohol-based hand sanitizing foam and wall-mounted dispensers at a discounted price. Claflin is offering a case of four 1000ml foam sanitizers for $65.60/case ($16.40 each). This price includes shipping.

IN ADDITION, for every container of sanitizer purchased, you have the opportunity to receive wall-mounted dispensers for $1.00 each.

To order, please download the Hand Sanitizer Order Form, fill it out, print it and fax or mail it to the number/address on the form. If you have trouble downloading the form, you may call Claflin at 1-800-343-7776, ext. 8243 and order directly from our sales rep, Jillian Lemire.

Additional Resources

New Insights into Novel H1N1

Flu FAQ For Schools from the Department of Education.

Risk Alert from April 30.

CDC's Fact Sheet on swine flu.

RCAB Special Edition Pandemic Preparedness Newsletter.

Liturgical Questions re. Swine Flu on RCAB's website.

Parent Resources

Flu Guide for Parents
Plan Now to be Ready for the Next Flu Pandemic
Checklist for Individuals and Families
Talking with Children about a Flu Pandemic
Talking with Your Children about the H1N1 (Swine) Flu
Flu Symptom Checklist for Families & Schools
Advice for Caregivers of Children Less than Six Months Old

School Resources

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