by Ms. Suzanne Dwinell, R.N., B.S.N., School Nurse
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced on August 19, 2020, that students of all ages (6 months and up) will now be required to get a flu vaccine by December 31, 2020 in order to attend school unless medically exempt.
The new vaccine requirement is a step to reduce flu-related illness and the overall impact of respiratory illness during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is more important now than ever to get a flu vaccine because flu symptoms are very similar to those of COVID-19 and preventing the flu will save lives and preserve healthcare resources.