A Note from the School Nurse Important information regarding immunizations

Nurse’s Note

According to a web article from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital at https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/ACH-News/General-News/Are-Vaccines-Needed-if-School-Is-Virtual,  although the current pandemic has disrupted all lives, especially children’s,  “we shouldn’t let that disruption impact their long-term health needs by deviating from their recommended vaccine schedule. It’s important for children to continue receiving the routine care they need, especially during this time of uncertainty.”

In addition to all of the vaccines that most middle schoolers should have already received, it is a state requirement that ALL students who are starting 8th grade receive the Meningococcal and Tdap vaccines.  Many physician’s offices provide this immunization as early as 5th or 6th grade, so the chances are good that your student has already received them.  If you are not sure if your child has received them, you can check with their pediatrician or call/email me to see if I have those records on file.  If your child has not yet received these important vaccines, then please ensure these are completed before next August, when your child begins 8th grade for the 21/22 school year.  If you wish for your student to be exempt from receiving these, you may contact our local health department.

Likewise, if your child is an 8th grader this  20/21 school year, and currently a virtual student but planning to start in person learning next semester - he/she will NOT be able to attend in person if we do not have records of these immunizations on file. I have already emailed those whose records I am missing.  

Thank you for helping us do all we can to keep our kids safe!

Have a wonderful holiday season.  I look forward to seeing many more of you back at TSMS in 2021!

Nurse Grace