Seasonal Influenza Vaccine now Required

The influenza vaccine has been added to the list of required immunizations for students attending DoDEA schools, following guidance and recommendations by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the Department of Defense Joint Military Medical Services regulation on immunizations.

The annual influenza vaccine is the best defense against influenza.  The military community is a highly transient one, which increases the potential for exposure and the spread of infectious diseases such as influenza. Reducing the spread of preventable infections in schools and the military community, improves students’ health, safety and attendance. Improved health and safety reduces absenteeism, a reduction in absenteeism improves student academic achievement.

The requirement goes into effect starting this school year (Fall 2016) and will be a required vaccine for all students for every school year.  Students will not be dis-enrolled from schools if the vaccine is not available at the Military Treatment Facility (MTF) or the MTFs cannot administer the vaccine before December 1, 2016. DoDEA will work with the MTFs to ensure students can receive the vaccine when it becomes available and the MTFs can provide the service.

Parents may contact their local MTF immunization clinic or school nurse for more information.

For additional information on the Influenza Virus please feel free to visit the Pandemic Information page.