Stop Flu at School Kicks Off Statewide Vaccination Clinics

About 31,500 students statewide will receive free flu shots from now until next month.

The vaccination clinics are a part of the Hawaiʻi State Department of Healthʻs annual Stop Flu at School program, which began earlier this week.

The voluntary program offers flu shots to students in kindergarten through the eighth grade at 185 Hawaiʻi public schools.

According to health director Bruce Anderson, more students have been signing up for the program in recent years.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that between 130 and 1,200 children have died from the flu each year since 2010.

“Vaccination is our best defense against the flu. It can help prevent illness, but more importantly, it decreases the risk of severe illness, which can result in hospitalizations and death,” Dr. Sarah Park, state epidemiologist, said in a press release.

The DOH is encouraging the public to consider getting the flu shot. Vaccinations are available at health care provider offices, clinics, and pharmacies for anyone over the age of 11.

A full list of pharmacies statewide that provide flu shots is available here.

The DOH is also recommending other flu prevention strategies, including staying home and away from other people in the house when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and washing hands frequently. For more information, click here.

Click here for more information about the Stop Flu at School program.