News Release

For immediate release

SPS Partners with CVS to Avail Flu Shot to Families

Please note: Flu shots are available for students 9 years of age or older. Younger children are advised to visit their pediatrician. 

September 25, 2020 - Springfield Public Schools has partnered with CVS pharmacy to help ensure convenient access for students to obtain the flu shot, as mandated by health and education officials for the 2020-2021 school year.

Flu shot clinics will take place in several different school-based locations throughout October. Pre-registration is required. Information about when and where clinics will be held throughout October is available on the Springfield Public Schools website at www.springfieldpublicschools.com.  Links to pre-register will be available about two weeks before the clinic date.

This year, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (Mass DPH) and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) are requiring that K-12 students receive a flu vaccine for the 2020-2021 school year.

According to MASS DPH, the flu vaccine is critical this year because of COVID-19. Having a flu vaccine amid the coronavirus pandemic will reduce the overall impact of respiratory illness on the population, protect vulnerable populations from severe illness, and decrease the overall burden on the healthcare system, MASS DPH states. The requirement for students in grades K-12 to receive the vaccine includes students engaged in all models of learning, whether the student is learning remotely or in-person at school.