Cases of influenza typically peak between November and March. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools shares critical information for pandemic flu planning in its latest newsletter, available online at www.thechallenge.org. 

Also, when thinking about your district’s strategy for reigning in the flu this year, don’t forget that the State of South Dakota is offering flu vaccinations free of charge to all South Dakota children 6 months through 18 years of age. School districts interested in participating in the program should contact the Department of Health’s Office of Community Health Services at 1-800-738-2301.