Flu and Daycare 2026-27: Policy, Vaccines and Return

Updated November 2026.

For the 2026-27 season, both the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend a flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Illinois does not require the flu vaccine to attend daycare. If your child gets the flu, keep them home until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine and feel well enough to take part in the day.

Here is what parents of babies, toddlers and preschoolers in daycare should know this season.

Who should get a flu vaccine in 2026-27

• IDPH recommends flu vaccination for all people 6 months and older for the 2026-27 respiratory virus season.
• The AAP recommends a yearly flu vaccine for all children 6 months and older without medical reasons to skip it, and says to give it as soon as it is available.
• Babies under 6 months are too young for the vaccine. They are protected best when the people around them are vaccinated, including parents, siblings and caregivers.
• Some children need two doses this season, given at least 4 weeks apart. This usually applies to children 6 months through 8 years who have not had at least two flu doses in the past. Ask your pediatrician.

Federal guidance has changed in the past year. The CDC removed its long-standing universal flu shot recommendation from the childhood schedule, and as of this fall its advisory committee had not issued 2026-27 flu recommendations. Illinois follows the AAP schedule. Talk with your pediatrician about what is right for your child.

Is the flu vaccine required for daycare in Illinois?

No. The flu vaccine is not on Illinois' list of required immunizations for child care. Daycares may still encourage it, and some ask about it during flu season. See our guide to Illinois daycare immunization requirements.

Signs of flu in young children

• Sudden fever, often high
• Cough, runny or stuffy nose and sore throat
• Body aches, headache or unusual tiredness
• Vomiting or diarrhea, which is more common in children than adults
• Fussiness and poor feeding in babies

Call your pediatrician early if your child is under 5, has a chronic health condition, or seems very sick. Young children, especially those under 2, are at higher risk of serious flu problems. Antiviral medicine works best when started early.

When to keep your child home

Illinois daycare centers screen children for illness every day. Under Illinois licensing rules, children should stay home with a fever and a change in behavior, unusual tiredness, trouble breathing or illness that keeps them from taking part. With the flu, keep your child home until:

• They have had no fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine, and
• Their symptoms are getting better, and they can join in normal activities.

Get emergency care right away for trouble breathing, bluish lips, signs of dehydration, or a child who is very hard to wake. Read our guide to daycare fever rules.

How to lower the spread at daycare and at home

• Get the whole family vaccinated.
• Wash hands at drop-off, before meals and at pickup.
• Teach older toddlers and preschoolers to cough into their elbow.
• Keep sick children and adults home.
• Clean shared toys and surfaces at home during illness.

For general sick-day rules, see how often daycare kids get sick.

Frequently asked questions

Does my child need a flu shot for daycare in Illinois?

No. It is not required, but IDPH and the AAP recommend it for everyone 6 months and older.

When can my child go back to daycare after the flu?

When they have been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine, their symptoms are improving and they can take part in normal activities.

Can babies under 6 months get a flu shot?

No. They are too young. Vaccinating the people around them helps protect them.

Does my child need one or two flu doses?

Some children 6 months through 8 years need two doses this season, depending on their past flu vaccines. Your pediatrician can tell you.

Health and safety at Children's Land

If a child becomes sick during the day at Children's Land, the director calls the designated adult from the Emergency Information Form, and the child rests away from the group until pickup. Staff are CPR and First-Aid certified. Learn about our preschool program, find a location, or contact us.

Related reading: RSV and Daycare: Policy, Babies and When to Return.