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Connecticut Office of Early Childhood
450 Columbus Boulevard
Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: 860-500-4412

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Annual Flu Vaccine Reminder and Guidance Concerning the COVID-19 Vaccine

Last updated October 10, 2025

All licensed child care providers are reminded that children enrolling in or currently attending child care must provide proof of immunity to influenza (“the flu”) each flu season, unless a valid medical exemption is provided.

Influenza Vaccination Requirements:

  • By January 1: Children aged 6-59 months attending a licensed child care center, group child care home, or family child care home must receive at least one dose of the flu vaccine between August 1 and December 31 of the previous year. (Two doses in the same flu season separated by at least 28 days are required for those children receiving the flu vaccine for the first time, with a single dose required during subsequent seasons)
  • Enrolling January 1 – March 31: Children must receive the flu vaccine before entering care.
  • Enrolling after March 31: Children are not required to meet the flu vaccine requirement until the following January, as flu season has typically ended and vaccine availability may be limited.

Children who have not received the flu vaccine by December 31 must be excluded from child care for the remainder of the flu season (through March 31) or until they receive at least one dose of the vaccine – unless the child care program has received a valid Medical Exemption Certificate indicating the child has a medical contraindication to immunization. Please see the Medical Exemption Certificate form/portal at: ct-medical-exemption-form-portal.pdf

Flu Mist Option:

Flu Mist is available for home administration in Connecticut, but only for individuals aged 19-49.  Children aged 2-18 must receive Flu Mist through their primary care provider, local health department, community health center (if applicable), or pharmacy.

COVID-19 Immunization Guidance

The Connecticut Department of Public Health issued interim COVID-19 guidance concerning recommendations for immunization in preparation for the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season.  This guidance concerning COVID-19 immunization is posted on the OEC website under For Programs/Health and Safety/Respiratory Illness Guidance.

Please share this important information with all parents.  Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping Connecticut’s children healthy and safe!