Started in 2006, Control Flu is a program run through the University of Florida Emerging Pathogens Institute that works together with the Alachua County Department of Health to protect our community from the flu.
Control Flu was founded on a simple but powerful idea: the best place to stop the flu from spreading through a community is at its source — the school. By bringing free influenza vaccinations directly to students during the school day, we remove barriers, reduce absenteeism, and protect entire households.
Our program serves public and participating private schools throughout Alachua County, providing a free, safe, and effective flu vaccine to every eligible pre-K through 12th grade student — no appointments, no out-of-pocket costs, and no disruption to the learning day.
Get InvolvedTo reduce influenza transmission in Alachua County schools and protect the broader community through accessible, school-based vaccination.
A county where every student, family, and community member is protected from the annual flu threat — regardless of income, insurance, or access to healthcare.
Equity, accessibility, community partnership, evidence-based practice, and compassionate public health service.
All public schools and participating private schools throughout Alachua County, Florida — reaching students from every zip code and background.
FluMist is a needle-free nasal spray vaccine administered during participating school clinics. Most students describe the process as quick, simple, and far less stressful than a traditional shot.
Control Flu provides FluMist vaccination clinics for eligible students in Alachua County schools. Video shown for educational demonstration purposes.
Want to see another FluMist® administration example? Watch these children vlog their experience getting the FluMist
Knowledge is the first step to prevention. Here's what every parent, student, and educator should know about the flu.
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza A and B viruses. It can infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Symptoms typically come on suddenly: fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, headaches, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children).
Flu viruses spread mainly through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of nearby people. Less often, a person can get flu by touching a contaminated surface and then touching their face.
Children can be contagious for longer than adults — often for 10 or more days after becoming ill. Schools create dense social environments where the virus transmits easily. Studies show school-age children are often the first in a community to be infected each season.
Flu season can significantly disrupt schools and families alike. Increased student and teacher absences reduce instructional time, extracurricular activities may be cancelled, and many parents must miss work to care for sick children.
While most healthy people recover from flu in a few days to less than two weeks, some may develop serious complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, ear infections, and worsening of chronic medical conditions like asthma and heart disease.
Annual flu vaccination remains the single most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated every season. Vaccinating children specifically helps protect the entire community through herd immunity.
Everything you need to know about the needle-free influenza vaccine available through Control Flu.
FluMist Quadrivalent is a live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV4) administered as a nasal spray. It contains weakened flu viruses that stimulate the body's immune response without causing illness. The vaccine is designed to replicate in the cooler temperatures of the nasal passages, not the warmer environment of the lungs.
By introducing a modified form of the virus through the nose — the same route real influenza enters the body — FluMist may trigger a more natural, robust immune response that includes both systemic and mucosal immunity.
FluMist is approved for individuals aged 2 through 49 years who are not pregnant and do not have certain medical conditions. The criteria for eligibility is outlined in our consent forms. Students who may conflict with the requirements outlined on the consent form may still receive the FluMist if they get an approval note from their pediatrician.
| Feature | FluMist® | Flu Shot |
|---|---|---|
| Administration | Nasal spray | Injection |
| Needle-free | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Pain / Discomfort | Minimal | Mild soreness |
| Age Range | 2–49 years | 6+ months |
| Flu Strains Covered | 4 strains | 4 strains |
| Effectiveness | Clinically comparable | Well-established |
| Recommended for Kids | ✓ Preferred option | ✓ Also good |
Complete the consent form to enroll your student in Control Flu's free school vaccination program.