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Medical information
The school district works very closely with the Snohomish Health District. Information
about health issues that may be impacting students or school operation can be found on
the Health District Web site at www.snohd.org.
Health Screening
Each year, hearing screenings are provided for students in grades one, two, three, five
and seven. Vision screenings are also provided for students in kindergarten, grades
one, two, three, four, five and seven. If a concern is found during screening, parents will
be notified of the screening results so that they can follow up with their health care
providers.
Immunizations
Under Washington state law, all students must present, or have on file, documentation
of their immunization status on or before the first day of attendance. Immunization
forms are available at all schools or from the Snohomish Health District,
(425) 339-5220. The certificate of immunization status must show the month, day, and
year the student received all vaccines required. Students may be exempted for
medical, religious, philosophical or personal reasons. A licensed heath care provider's
signature must accompany an exemption for medical purposes. A parent's or
guardian's signature is necessary to exempt a student for religious, philosophical or
personal reasons.
Prior to kindergarten, please check the Washington State Department of Health Web
site
for required vaccines.
Life-threatening conditions
Washington state law defines how children with life-threatening conditions will be
served. A life-threatening condition is defined as one “that will put the child in danger of
death during the school day if a medication or treatment order and a nursing plan are
not in place.” Such conditions could include reactions to severe bee stings, food
allergies, severe asthma, diabetes and severe seizures. An individual health care plan
prepared by a district registered nurse and a medication or treatment order from the
child’s licensed health care provider are required before the child starts school. Without
these, the child will not be allowed in school. Contact your child’s school for more
information.
Medication at school
If a student requires emergency medications or treatment for a life-threatening
condition, such as a severe allergy, asthma or diabetes, the physician’s health care
orders are needed before the first day of school. If a student requires medication during
school hours, please contact the school for a medication authorization form to be
completed by the child’s health care provider and the parent or guardian. Medication
must be in the original container showing the student’s name, medication, medication
dosage and time the medication must be administered.
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Preschool entry
Requirements are determined by age when the student enters school. Please check
with your school for the number of needed doses of Hepatitis
B/DPT/Polio/Measles/Rubella/Mumps/HIB.
Human Papillomavirus
The following information is being provided to you at the direction of the Washington
State Legislature to help reduce cervical cancer rates in Washington by protecting girls
from Human Papillomavirus.
What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)? HPV is a common virus spread through genital
contact. At least 50% of sexually active people will get HPV at some time in their lives.
There are many types of HPV. Some types can cause cervical cancer or genital warts.
Both women and men can get HPV and easily spread it to others without knowing they
have it.
What are the symptoms of HPV? Most people with HPV have no signs or symptoms.
Some people know they have HPV because they have a symptom like genital warts.
Women may find out they have HPV through cervical cancer screening (Pap tests) and
HPV testing. Health care providers do not usually test for HPV unless abnormal cervical
cell changes are detected by a Pap test.
How can HPV infection be prevented? The best way to prevent HPV infection is to
abstain from all sexual activity. People with only one lifetime partner can get HPV if their
partner had previous sexual partners. It is uncertain how well condoms protect against
HPV infection. However, condom users do have lower cervical cancer rates. The HPV
vaccine is a very effective way to prevent four types of HPV that can cause cervical
cancer and genital warts.
What is the HPV vaccine? The HPV vaccine, Gardasil, protects against four types of
HPV, which cause 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. The vaccine does
not protect against all types of HPV or other sexually transmitted infections. The vaccine
also does not protect against any type of HPV that the person already has. Current
studies show that HPV vaccine protection lasts up to five years. Research will continue
to determine the length of the HPV vaccine’s protection.
Who should get the vaccine and when should they get it? The federal Advisory
Committee on Immunization Practices recommends the HPV vaccine for all 11 to 12
year old girls. The vaccine can also be given to females as young as 9 years old and up
to 26 years old, if their doctor recommends it. HPV vaccine is given as a series of three
shots over a six-month period. The vaccine is not currently recommended for boys or
men. The HPV vaccine is a preventative vaccine and will offer the best protection if
given before sexual activity starts. HPV vaccine is not required for school entry in
Washington.
Are Pap tests still recommended for females that get the HPV vaccine?
Yes. The HPV
vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer, so
females will still need Pap tests.
Where can I find the HPV vaccine?
Ask your doctor, nurse or local health care clinic to
find out whether your daughter needs the HPV vaccine and where you can get it. Most
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providers in Washington will have state-supplied HPV vaccine and there will be no cost
to parents (of girls under 19 years old) for the vaccine. Providers may charge an office
visit and/or administration fee. The HPV vaccine is available to providers at no cost
through Washington State’s Universal Childhood Vaccine Program.
Visit the following Web sites for more information on HPV, the vaccine and cervical
cancer: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Washington State Department of
Health
, American Social Health Association
, or the American Cancer Society
.
Meningococcal Disease
Schools in Washington are required to provide the parents or guardians of students
entering 6th through 12th grades with information on meningococcal disease, a serious
infection of the brain (meningitis) and blood caused by bacteria. Fortunately, this life-
threatening infection is rare; only about 75 people are infected each year in Washington.
Adolescents and young adults are most likely to get meningococcal disease, especially
those living in group settings, such as college dorms.
The Department of Health wants you to be aware of meningococcal disease and how
you can protect your child against it. A vaccine is available that can prevent up to 65%
of meningococcal disease among adolescents and young adults. The vaccine is
recommended for unvaccinated teens age 15 years and college freshmen who will be
living in a dorm. The meningococcal vaccine is not required for school or college
attendance.
Here are some other ways to prevent the spread of meningococcal disease:
•
Practice good hygiene (regular hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes)
•
Do not share items that may spread meningococcal disease and other bacteria
and viruses, such as eating utensils, glasses, cups, water bottles, drinks, lip
gloss, or toothbrushes.
We encourage you to learn more about meningococcal disease and how to prevent it.
More information on meningococcal disease is available on the following Web sites:
Washington State Department of Health
, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine
Education Center and the National Meningitis Association
.
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