NOTES FROM OUR NURSE
Ms. Petit, RNThere are no changes in immunization requirements for the upcoming school year. If your child has not received a second dose of varicella yet, you may choose to ask your health care provider about the benefits. A second dose is recommended, but not required.
For parents of rising 6th graders: a booster dose of pertussis-containing vaccine (Tdap) is required for students entering the sixth grade, unless the student has had a tetanus-containing vaccine within the last five years. There is no grace period for compliance (§32.1-46, subdivision 3, of the Code).
Legislation requiring the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine for female students entering the sixth grade will go into effect on October 1, 2008. The first dose shall be administered before the child enters sixth grade (§32.1-46, subdivision 12 of the Code). Since the effective date occurs after the 2008-09 school year begins the vaccine will not be required for school entry until the 2009-10 school year.As the school nurse I would like to draw your attention to the sick student policy. Below are the guidelines for absences, illnesses, medications and PE excuses. I encourage you to post this list as reminder for those times when your child is unable to come to school or participate in activities. Thank you for your cooperation. We look forward to another successful, safe, and healthy year of fun and learning!
Absences: Please report all absences to the attendance secretary at 898-0372 (voice mail available 24 hours/day). This is a safety precaution. We will call to verify student absences in compliance with Virginia state law if we don’t hear from you.
Illness: After a child has been sick, please do not send them back to school until they have gone 24 hours without symptoms or medication to control fever, vomiting or diarrhea.
Medications: If medication is necessary during the school day, it must be brought to the clinic by a parent or guardian in the original container with the appropriate label. A signed parental permission form must also be completed. Please refer to page 11 of the Student Handbook and Conduct Code for clarification.
PE Excuses: Illness and injury can result in limited activities during school. A written note is required from a parent or guardian. Restrictions that exceed 3 days require a doctor’s excuse. Please send a note if your child has a sprain, fracture or breathing difficulties that limit participation in the classroom, recess or PE.
Thank you for your cooperation. Please call the clinic (# 867 – 7461) if you have any questions.
Anita Baxley – Petit, RN
Tabb Elementary School Nurse
