School Health Tips

Being school physicians for three public systems, Pediatric Specialists takes more than a passing interest in the issues related to health in the schools. We are frequently involved in the policies and consulted regarding issues of a medical nature that arise within the schools. This section of our Web site will highlight some of the policies and protocols as well as provide advice in anticipation of current state requirements. We also hope to address issues that arise during the year and provide a resource for parents who have questions regarding some health-related occurrence in the schools.

New Immunization Requirements:
1999 brings some new requirements for students entering school as well as for those entering the seventh grade. For the first time, children entering kindergarten are required to have proof that they have had chickenpox or documentation that they have received the chickenpox vaccine. Proof of chickenpox can be a doctor’s confirmation based on having seen the child with chickenpox or based on a reliable history from a parent. Serological proof (a test for immune antibodies) is also acceptable. Preferably the doctor should document month and year the child had the illness.

Likewise children entering seventh grade are also required to show the same proof of having had chickenpox or that they received the vaccine. Seventh graders are also required to have had the hepatitis B series, a second measles, mumps and rubella vaccine as well as a Td (adult tetanus-diphtheria) booster. The Td booster must be given if it has been greater than five years since the last tetanus was given. Since for most children the last tetanus was at school entry as part of the DTP, it is evident that most of the young people entering seventh grade will require this Td booster.

Sports Pre-participation Exam:
For those students who contemplate playing high school sports a recent physical exam is required. Most systems will stipulate a time interval, generally within a year of the beginning of a particular sport. Please check on your child’s requirements and check with your physician’s office to verify when his/her last exam was done and schedule accordingly. Be aware that some insurance companies will either cover one physical per calendar year while others stipulate that there must be at least a twelve-month interval between physical exams. These physical exams should include a thorough history as well as a review of the athlete’s record to identify any potential problems. The physician may also counsel the athlete regarding training and diet. At times, scheduling can be a nightmare as some still wait for the last minute to try and schedule an appointment. We will do our best to get your child in for a physical before the sport requirement and will generally create extra time (evening appointments or extended day) if it becomes necessary. Please help us by anticipating this need and scheduling early.

Meningococcal Vaccine:
Although it has not received universal recommendations, one should consider having your college bound student immunized with the meningococcal vaccine (Menimune). Each year we hear reports of small outbreaks of meningitis caused by N.meningitidis on college campuses. This form of meningitis is potentially fatal.  If a college student is living on campus in a dormitory setting you should seriously consider arranging to have him/her immunized. Although the vaccine is not 100% effective against all strains of this bacteria this added degree of protection will be helpful.