Flu pandemic

Influenza pandemics are not new. Three flu pandemics caused public health emergencies during the twentieth century and experts are predicting that another is inevitable and will almost certainly reach the UK.

No-one knows exactly when a flu pandemic will occur, whether it will be mild or severe, or have most impact on children or the elderly or across other age ranges. Once it arrives, it is likely to spread throughout the country in a matter of weeks. It may come in two or more waves, several months apart. Each wave may last two to three months across the country as a whole.

The Government recommends that organisations, including those in the public sector at local level, should be as prepared as possible now so that plans can be activated when a pandemic arrives. Good planning is essential so that people know what to expect and what to do, disruption is minimised and at least the most essential services are maintained.

The Department of Education has produced the following guidance in consultation with other Government Departments and with education partners. The guidance is part of the Government’s co-ordinated efforts to encourage prudent planning across all sectors, supporting the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety as the Lead Department in preparing for a possible flu pandemic. The latest health Pandemic Flu advice and information can be found on the Department of Health Social Services and Public Safety website.

This guidance will be updated regularly. Further guidance on specific issues will follow.

Planning for a human influenza pandemic-Guidance for schools in Northern Ireland PDF 169 KB
This guidance aims to encourage and support schools in planning for a human influenza (flu) pandemic. It provides brief background on pandemic flu and its implications for schools. It outlines the role of Government and the local arrangements for responding to a pandemic, consistent with the Northern Ireland Influenza Contingency Plan.

Planning for a human influenza pandemic-Guidance for nursery schools in Northern Ireland PDF 158 KB
This guidance aims to encourage and support nursery schools in planning for a human influenza (flu) pandemic. It provides brief background on pandemic flu and its implications for nursery schools. It outlines the role of Government and the local arrangements for responding to a pandemic, consistent with the Northern Ireland Influenza Contingency Plan.

Planning for a human influenza pandemic-Advice to parents PDF 49 KB
This short note has been prepared as part of a package of guidance to schools. It aims to answer some of the questions from parents and carers.