Nurses Information

Information from the CSD17 Nurses on the 2020-2021 School Year

Welcome to the New Year! Nurse Shot

Vaccines and Well Child Exams are still needed

COVID-19 has led to many changes in our normal routines. The Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) notes that fewer vaccines were given this year compared to last. This trend raises risks for sicknesses like measles, whooping cough, or chicken pox. As more people get vaccines, the sickness is less likely to spread from person to person. Vaccines are safe and protect children from many serious diseases.

Well Child Visits

Along with the need for vaccines, children need well child visits. These visits, done on time from birth to teenage years, help to track growth and development, keep up on vaccines, and let parents ask questions. Telehealth, or virtual visits, have become a vital part of the COVID-19 response, but in-person well child visits are best if you are able to do them.

If your child needs an exam or vaccine, now is the time! Call your child’s health office and ask what they do to lower the risk of COVID-19. The office should have plans in place for a safe visit, such as: set times for well visits and sick visits; limit who comes with the child; and a limit on people in the waiting room.

Back to school

The vaccines needed for Illinois students will not change. All children entering kindergarten and 6^th grade must show proof of immunization and a health exam on an IDPH Certificate of immunization or have a valid exemption signed by the parent and physician. Waiting until the deadline could make it hard to get an appointment. Make plans now to get the vaccines your child needs.

Inhalers/Nebulizer Treatments

Nebulizer treatments send aerosol particles into the air; therefore we will no longer be administering nebulizer treatments in the school. We are strongly suggesting that you speak with your physician and change school nebulizer treatments to an inhaler with a chamber. If your child is in need of a treatment please work with your child's nurse to schedule a time to excuse them from school for treatment. Due to the fact that inhalers without chambers also produce an aerosol mist we are requesting that your contact your physician and ask him/her for a chamber to go along with your child’s inhaler.

Athletes

A sports physical is required for all children entering grades 5, 7, and 8. This is a great time to make that appointment. As of right now, we are unsure of the sports that the State will allow but it is always a good idea to have it on hand so that you will not have to run out and get one last minute.

Even during a worldwide pandemic, staying up-to-date on vaccines and well child visits is as vital as ever.

Portions of this newsletter are from the Scott County Health Department Newsletter, July 2020