School Health Information Center

The district’s School Health Services program supports your child’s academic success by promoting health in the school setting.

As a district health office we are mandated by the State of New York and the Department of Health on the required physical exams, dental exams and health screenings done at various grade levels. Please note that there are links available to further assist you in understanding how and when these mandates need to be satisfied.

Health Appraisals

1. A tuberculosis screening is done at this time as part of the annual physical (see back page of health appraisal form)

2. Immunizations records should be attached to the health Appraisal form (please see 6^th grade/11year old Tdap vaccine information below)

Vision

Hearing

Scoliosis (spinal curvature) screening for all students grades 5 through 9

Immunization Schedule -  please see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention link for the immunization schedule- www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5503.pdf.

A recent booster Tdap now being given for children 11-12 years of age.  If a student has received a tetanus or diphtheria-toxoid containing vaccine within the preceding two years of their 11^th birthday, the required vaccination can be deferred for a two year period from the date of the administration of that vaccine.

The New York State School immunization requirements website can be found at:  http:www.health.state.ny.us/publications/2370.pdf

Sports Clearance and Annual Physicals

·       All students that are playing a sport need an Annual Physical done by their physician within one year of the beginning of the sport season.

·       The school physician is available only when a student is unable to present a physical from the private physician on the alternate years when there is no state mandated physical/health appraisal due.  If a child does not attend the school appointment date, it is the parent’s responsibility to fulfill the physical requirement.

·       All students must have the 3 page athletic packet signed and returned to the health office for “Sports Clearance”.  This is independent of the annual physical and is reviewed by the school physician prior to every sports season.

You may download from the health website (see below) any of the required forms or your child may pick them up in the health office.

Medication Administration

Please see Authorization Form for Administraton of Medication in School

All medication orders or over the counter medication must have

1. an order from a licensed prescriber

2. in a properly labeled original container from pharmacy

3. written permission from a parent

4. parent responsibility for delivery to health office

5. over the counter medication must be in the original container with the students name affixed to container

Allergic and Anaphylactic Reactions

·       A severe asthmatic has the right to carry and use their inhaler during the school day. However, it is to the child’s advantage to have an extra in the health office.  The student must have the Authorization for Administration of Medication in School Form filled out which includes a section to carry medication

·       School nurses have non-patient specific epinephrine available from the school medical director. However, students with known allergy or anaphylactic reactions must have their own Epi-Pen Auto Injector in the office available for use and an indication if   Benadryl should be given first.

·       The Prescription and Authorization for Administration of Medication in School Form and  Individual Health Care Plan are completed by both parent and physician and handed into the health office at the beginning of each school year.

Individual Health Care Plan

Please download these with the Authorizaton for Administration of Medication from the School Health home page

Physical Education

Out of physical education due to injury or illness requires a doctor’s note to resume classes. It is best when the physician clearly indicates a stop and start date. Students who are in a sport should have the physician indicate if they may do any strengthening or conditioning while out, as this may qualify as a practice.

Illness or Injury

All contagious illnesses or injuries suffered outside of school must be reported to the school Health Office. Minor cuts and abrasions are treated as first aid in the School Health Office. When a more serious injuries occur that may need medical attention a parent or guardian is notified, so as to seek the proper medical attention.  If a parent or guardian is unavailable the school must retain jurisdiction over and injured or ill child until that child is placed under the care of the parent, guardian, or other person so designated by the parent. Elementary school children may not be released to walk home. High school students may walk home if a parent or guardian gives verbal permission to the Health Office staff.

Hastings HS/MS Health Office procedure for Head Lice

The school has a no nit policy that requires that students remain home if nits are found in their hair.  If a child develops a case of

head lice, the Health Office MUST BE INFORMED. When the child returns to school after treatment, a parent or guardian must first accompany them to the Health Office for an examination by the nurse before being admitted back to class.  If a case of head lice is discovered in school, the child will be held in the health office while the parent or guardian is called so that the child can be taken home for treatment.

Ø Other Helpful Health Related Websites

·       http:www.nysed.gov

·       New York State Education Department-Health Services-http://www.emss.nysed.gov/sss/healthServices/Article19 Revisions.htm

·       http://www.schoolhealthservicesny.com/  (this is a very helpful website for many school health related issues)