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Quick Links to health forms: *In order to read or print the forms and printable version of the School Health Program, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you don't already have Acrobat Reader, you may download it for free from Adobe by clicking on the icon below.
Health NewsNovember 2006 It’s Flu Season: Facts about influenza and info on preventionWhat is Influenza (Also Called Flu)?The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. Every year in the United States, on average, 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu. Symptoms of flu include high fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches and stomach symptoms such s nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. In the school setting- Approximately 1/5 of the U.S. population attends or works in schools. (U.S. Dept of Ed, 1999).
- Some viruses and bacteria can live from 20 minutes up to 2 hours or more on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. (Ansari, 1988; Scott and Bloomfield, 1989)
- Nearly 22 million school days are lost annually due to the common cold alone. (CDC, 1996)
- Addressing the spread of germs in schools is essential to the health of our youth, our schools, and our nation.
- Students need to get plenty of sleep and physical activity, drink water, and eat good food to help them stay healthy in the winter and all year.
Educators, staff, and parents can help slow the spread of colds and flu. In the North Andover Public Schools, school staff continually remind children to: - Cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze—have them throw the tissue away after they use it.
- Wash their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. If water is not near, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- Remind them to not to touch their eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way
Parents are asked to reinforce these prevention measures. Ensure your child gets adequate rest enabling the body to rejuvenate. Additionally, to avoid exposing others to cold or flu symptoms, children should be kept home during the early stages of a cold, usually 2 to 3 days. Children either diagnosed with or suspected of having the flu may need to be kept at home a full week, depending on symptoms and the child’s recovery. Treatment of the FluTreatment of the flu is focused on management of the individual’s symptoms. Rest and fluids are core components of the treatment. Medications, such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen may be offered to reduce fever. Parents are reminded to avoid products with aspirin to prevent Reye's Syndrome. Reye’s Syndrome is a serous disease that some people develop as they are getting over a viral illness. Although Reyes Syndrome usually affects people from infancy to young adulthood, no age group is immune. Reyes generally occurs when recovering, i.e. 3-5 days after onset of illness. Its main targets are the liver and brain, it is noncontiguous, and is often misdiagnosed. Early diagnosis is crucial with repeated vomiting being a significant indicator. Early diagnosis and treatment gives one a 90% chance of recovery. For more information on Reye Syndrome and/or for a list of common over the counter medications that contain aspirin, contact the National Reye Syndrome Foundation at: 1-800-233-9893 or www.reyesyndrome.org. Where to get the flu vaccine?Individuals with chronic health conditions, children 6-59 months of age, and those over the age of 50 are recommended to receive the vaccine. Sources of the flu vaccine include your primary care physician, flu clinics held by local boards of health, and independent flu clinics often hosted by grocery stores and pharmacies. Flu clinics are advertised in local newspapers or you any “search” your area on-line for advertised flu clinics at http://flu.masspro.org/. For town residents over age 18, the North Andover Health Department will offer flu clinics when they receive vaccine from the State Department of Public Health, slated for the end of November. For children under the age of 18, contact your primary care physician For more information on influenza, see the Massachusetts Department of Public Health web site.
The Parent’s Internet Guide to
North Andover’s School Health ProgramQuick Links to health forms Dear Parents: The school nurse is present in your child’s school to be a liaison between home and school regarding health concerns and to serve as a health resource to you and your child. The school nurse completes state mandated screenings and provides nursing care for accidents, illnesses and other medical situations. The school nurse is also there to assist in promoting good health and in maintaining a healthy, safe environment for staff and students. Please feel free to contact your child’s school nurse with any health concerns or questions you may have. These Web pages provide you with information that will enable us to work together to achieve this goal. Please bookmark this guide to use as a reference throughout the school year. Thank you for your cooperation and support of our school health program. The North Andover School Nurses Health Office Emergency CardsPlease complete your child's Emergency Card/Health Update and return it to school. This card gives us information on how to reach you in the case of an emergency and updated health information on your child year to year. Let the nurse know of any changes in emergency contact information or state of health during the school year. In the event of the need for medical transport, every attempt will be made to send a copy of this card. Remember, in the event of an accident or illness, the school must be able to reach you or another person who will assume responsibility for your child. Health EmergenciesPlease notify the School Nurse (yearly) of any medical condition which may precipitate an emergency situation with your child (e.g. allergic reactions to food, insect bites or medications; asthma; diabetes; seizures). The School Nurse will work with you in developing a care plan to meet your child’s health needs. return to top Immunization/Lab Test RequirementsSchool Immunization Law, Chapter 76, Section 15 of the General Laws of the State of Massachusetts requires that all immunizations must be up to date for children to attend school according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations. Massachusetts General Law allows for the school district to exclude children from school whose immunizations are not up to date. - A certified record of immunizations from your child’s physician(s) is required for entry into school.
- All immunization records must be provided in English and include full dates.
- Immunizations are audited by the school nurses. In the event of missing or incorrect information, your prompt attention in addressing the error/omission is imperative to assure compliance with state law.
Preschool Entry Requirements:- ≥4 DTaP/DTP
- ≥3 Polio
- 3 Hepatitis B
- 1 MMR
- 4 doses Hib
- 1 Lead test
- TB Risk
- 1 dose Varicella or physician documented case of chickenpox
Kindergarten Entry Requirements:- 5 DTaP/DTP
- 4 Polio
- 3 Hepatitis B
- 2 MMR or 2 Measles/1 Mumps/1 Rubella
- 1 dose Varicella or physician documented case of chickenpox
Grade 1-6 Entry Requirements:- 4 or more DTaP/DTP or 3 or more doses Td
- 3 or more Polio
- 3 Hepatitis B
- 2 MMR or 2 Measles/1 Mumps/1 Rubella
- 1 dose Varicella (gr. 1-4) or physician documented case of chickenpox
Grade 7-12 Entry Requirements:- 4 or more DTaP/DTP or 3 or more doses Td; plus 1 Td booster
- 3 or more Polio
- 3 Hepatitis B
- 2 MMR or 2 Measles/1 Mumps/1 Rubella
- 1 dose Varicella or physician documented case of chickenpox
- Over 13 yrs. 2 doses Varicella or physician documented case of chickenpox
- 2nd dose required if immunized after age 13
return to top Physical Examination RequirementsSchool Entrance: A physical exam within 1 year is required. Update Physical Exams: One updated physical is required during middle school (Suggested in 6th grade as students entering grade 7 are required to receive a Tetanus booster) and one during high school. The back of the Emergency Health Card gives us updated information each year regarding your child’s health. Athletic Examinations: A documented physical examination is required for all students annually prior to participation in sports at the high school level. Medication PoliciesMedications (both prescription and over-the-counter drugs) should not be taken during school hours, if it is possible to achieve the medical regimen at home. Medication to be taken three times a day can be given before school, after school and at bedtime. If medications must be taken during the school day, please contact the school nurse for the appropriate forms, or down-load the forms from this web site. A PHYSICIAN'S ORDER IS REQUIRED FOR ALL PRESCRIPTION AND NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS. To insure your child’s safety, all medications are to be delivered to school: - In a pharmacy-Iabeled container. Ask the pharmacy to provide separate bottles for school and home.
- By the parent/guardian or designated adult, never with the child.
***No medications will be administered that arrive in baggies or envelopes.
***No noon-time medications are given on curriculum days. return to top Long-term MedicationsMedications, which must be taken during the school hours, on a long-term basis, require the following forms to be on file in the school health office before any medication can be administered at school: Short-term MedicationsMedications which must be taken during school hours on a short term basis require the following forms to be on file: Medication RetrievalParents/guardians may retrieve medications from the school at any time. All unused, discontinued or outdated medications shall be returned to the parent/guardian. All unused medications are to be picked up by the parent/guardian at the end of the school year, or they will be discarded. IllnessesPlease do not send your child to school when symptoms of illness are present. In order to provide the healthiest school environment possible, according to guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics, no child will be allowed to remain in school if any of the following conditions are present: temperature above 100 degrees, persistent cough or undiagnosed skin rash. Please notify the school nurse if your child contracts any contagious diseases, including but not limited to: strep throat, conjunctivitis, head lice, impetigo, Fifth's disease, chicken pox, measles, whooping cough, mononucleosis, scabies, mumps and scarlet fever. return to top Post-illness School Attendence GuidelinesChildren must be fever free without medication and symptom free (vomiting, diarrhea) for 24 hours before returning to school. According to school policy, before a child can return to school, strep throat, impetigo and conjunctivitis require 24 hours of medication. In the case of chicken pox all lesions must be scabbed over (5-7 days) before the child can return to school. Head Lice: Children must be treated, nit free and checked by the school nurse before being readmitted to school. Prevention is the key to controlling this pesky problem. Please inspect your child's hair frequently and call the school nurse if you have any questions. Screening ProgramsVision and Hearing: Vision and hearing screening is done yearly in grades K through 5, and in grades 7 and 10. Parents will be notified of any problems that necessitate a medical follow-up. Vision and hearing screening is also offered to preschool students. Postural Screening: The state of Massachusetts mandates that all students in grades 5 through 9 be screened for scoliosis. Your child's posture will be screened beginning in fifth grade. Physician referrals will be made as needed. Heights and Weights: Yearly heights and weights are taken on children in grades K, 1 through 5 and in grades 7 and 10. Health InsuranceIf your child does not have health insurance, Massachusetts has health insurance plans that will provide uninsured children with affordable health care (restrictions may apply). Please contact your child’s school nurse for more information.
*In order to read or print the forms and printable version of the School Health Program, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you don't already have Acrobat Reader, you may download it for free from Adobe by clicking on the icon below. 
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