H1N1 (Swine Flu) Information

2009: November | October | September | August | Archived Materials

H1N1 Influenza Information

As you know, we are experiencing a challenging flu season with a second wave of H1N1 influenza in addition to the seasonal flu. The State Education Department has been working with our local, state and federal partners to reduce the spread and severity of the illness in the education community. Since the initial outbreak of the H1N1 virus in the Spring of 2009, the Education Department and the State Department of Health have jointly issued a series of guidance documents, all of which are listed below.

Stay informed: Please visit the website frequently as new information is added regularly. We also encourage you to visit the additional websites you will find by clicking on our "Other Resources" link above.

November

Joint SED-DOH guide to schools as they partner with local health departments to conduct school-based vaccination clinics for the 2009 H1N1 influenza. This includes a letter from Commissioners Steiner and Daines; a guidance document; a sample MOU for the use of school facilities for this purpose; a parent/guardian H1N1 vaccination consent form; a sample letter to parents/guardians; and a summary of relevant legal issues.

"Preparing for H1N1 Flu: An Action Kit for Schools (Grades K-12) in New York State" provides basic H1N1 information and communication resources to assist school administrators in preparing for and responding to H1N1 influenza. This includes sample letters, press releases, and tips for parents. The Action Kit is being provided to you as both a PDF and Word document; the Action Kit in separate sections is also available on the Department of Health site.
Cover memo from Jean Stevens: PDF (39K)
Action Kit: PDF (525K) | Word (201K)

October

H1N1 Disaster Emergency Declaration - On October 28, Governor Paterson signed Executive Order 29 declaring a disaster emergency in New York. The Executive Order authorizes a 30 day temporary suspension or modification of several laws and regulations related to licensed professions overseen by the State Education Department and the New York State Department of Health in order to facilitate the timely administration of the 2009 H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccines throughout the State of New York to prevent the further spread of these viruses. (October 30, 2009)
NYSED & NYSDOH October 20, 2009 Joint Memo:
CDC Guildance on Helping Child Care and Early Childhood Programs Respond to Influenza during the 2009-2010 Influenza Season:
English: PDF (645KB) | Spanish: PDF (185KB)

September

NYSED State Aid Office September 24, 2009 web posting: Request to disregard the required reduction of State Aid if one or more schools of the district were in session for less than 180 days due to extraordinary conditions or to the H1N1 (swine flu) virus in the 2008-09 school year. For more information and to print the request form
NYSED & NYSDOH September 11, 2009 Joint Memo:
2009-2010 Institutions of Higher Education Guidance: Novel H1N1 Influenza (Flu) Virus PDF (381 KB)
NYSED & NYSDOH September 11, 2009 Joint Memo: School Absenteeism and School Dismissal Monitoring for Novel H1N1 Influenza (Flu) Virus in K-12 Educational Facilities for the 2009-2010 School Year PDF (65 KB)
- School Surveillance and Reporting System: School 2009 Absentee Surveillance PDF (87 KB)
- School Surveillance and Reporting System: CDC School Dismissal Form PDF (7 KB)
- QuickTips-for Submitting School H1N1 Absenteeism and Dismissal Surveillance Data on the New York State Department of Health Commerce System PDF (7 KB)

August

Transmittal Memo for 2009-2010 School (K-12) Guidance: Novel H1N1 Influenza (Flu) Virus - August 31, 2009 PDF (65KB)
2009 - 2010 School (K-12) Guidance: Novel H1N1 Influenza (Flu) Virus PDF (328KB)
H1N1 and USDA Policy Guidance - August 31, 2009