From the Nurse's Desk

Mrs. Linda Garrett

 Click on the following links to print out school health forms.

Medication Administration Permission Form

Medical Examination Form

Self-Administration of Medication for Students with Asthma or Other Potentially Life-

                                                Reminder

            Please give me a call when your child will be absent or late.  You can call at any time and leave a message.  Also, please call if there are any changes in your child’s health status or changes in address or phone numbers, including cell numbers and emergency numbers.  It is vital that we have the most up-to-date information on your child.  Thank you.

New Immunization Requirements

            There have been a few changes in immunization requirements as of 9/1/08.  For children entering Pre-K: 

• At least ONE dose of PCV (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) on or after their first birthday.
• Annually, at least one dose of influenza vaccine between 9/1 and 12/31 of each year.

      For children entering grade six or born on or after 1/1/97 in September 2008 (follow-up to notice sent home with 5^th graders):

• One dose of meningococcal-containing vaccine.
• One dose of Tdap after 10^th birthday.   However – IF student had Td booster less than 5 years prior to entering grade 6, the student is not required to receive a dose of Tdap until five years have passed since last DTP/DtaP or Td dose. 

            If your child has already had these immunizations, please send in the documentation.  If not, please call your pediatrician and make an appointment to have the immunizations given since it is a requirement effective in September.

            For information about immunizations, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has an informative website:  www.chop.edu.  In the search block, type ‘Vaccine Education Center’. 

IS IT THE FLU OR JUST A COLD?

            This is the time of the year when people are sneezing and coughing (hopefully into a tissue or into their sleeve!).  But sometimes we wonder “is this just a cold?”  A cold is caused by a virus.  First the tickly throat, then a runny nose, then a congested, stuffy nose along with lots of sneezing.  Possibly the cold will move ‘south’ and a cough will develop.  We really start paying attention if a fever develops.  Generally, an uncomplicated cold lasts about 7-10 days.  If a fever or prolonged cough develops, it’s time to see the doctor.

            However, the flu is different, even though it too is caused by a virus.  Briefly, just remember the FACTS:

            F – Fever

            A – Aches

            C – Chills

            T – Tiredness

            S – Sudden Symptoms

            The flu is fast – one day you wake up achy, feverish, tired, and shivering.  Staying home will prevent the spread of the flu.  And call your doctor.  For more information, check out www.flufacts.com.