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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. |