Control Flu brings free, needle-free influenza vaccinations directly to pre-K through 12th grade students — right at their school, during the school day. No appointments. No cost. No worries.
School-Located Influenza Vaccination Program
Control Flu is a School-Located Influenza Vaccination (SLIV) program making it easier than ever for students to stay protected against the flu.
Vaccinations are administered right at school during regular hours — no extra trips needed.
All eligible students in public and participating private schools across Alachua County.
No cost to families. No insurance required. Every student deserves protection.
By vaccinating children — key flu transmitters — we protect entire families and communities.
Influenza is more than a common cold. Understanding how it spreads helps us stop it — together.
Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death — especially in young children, the elderly, and those with underlying conditions.
The flu spreads mainly through droplets when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. People can also become infected by touching a surface contaminated with flu viruses and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes.
Children have close contact with peers and less-developed hygiene habits, making schools prime environments for rapid flu transmission. A single infected child can expose dozens of classmates and bring the virus home to vulnerable family members.
Flu outbreaks cause widespread absenteeism, disrupting learning and forcing parents to miss work. Schools can lose thousands of instructional hours each season — and the ripple effects on family productivity and health can last for weeks.
Annual flu vaccination is the best defense. Vaccinating students creates a protective shield around the community — when children are protected, fewer viruses circulate, safeguarding grandparents, infants, and immunocompromised individuals who cannot be vaccinated.
When enough people in a community are vaccinated, the spread of disease slows dramatically — protecting even those who cannot receive vaccines. School-based programs like Control Flu are one of the most effective ways to achieve this community-wide protection.
FluMist is a needle-free influenza vaccine administered as a nasal spray — the preferred choice of students who want protection without a shot.
Approved by the FDA and recommended by health authorities, FluMist delivers the same effective protection against seasonal flu in a more comfortable, accessible format for school-age children.
Both options provide effective seasonal flu protection. Eligibility requirements may apply. Ask your school's Control Flu coordinator for details.
Every vaccination is a step toward a healthier, more resilient community. Here's what Control Flu has accomplished.
When children are vaccinated at school, they're far less likely to bring the flu home — shielding parents, grandparents, siblings, and vulnerable household members from infection.
Higher vaccination rates in schools directly correlate with lower flu transmission rates across Alachua County — fewer sick days, fewer emergency room visits, and a healthier community overall.
Fewer flu illnesses mean fewer missed school days, less disruption to learning, and better academic outcomes for students throughout the county.
Whether you're a school administrator, a parent, or a community member — there's a role for you in making Alachua County flu-free this season.