GIVE KIDS SIGHT DAY

October 4, 2025

ONLINE REGISTRATION

FREE eye screening and glasses
for children ages 6 through 17.
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

https://www.willseye.org/give-kids-sight-day/

Community Response Partner Network (CRPN) Newsletter

September 22, 2025

COVID-19 Vaccine News

COVID-19 is still around and can cause serious illness, or even death, for some people. It is recommended to ask your healthcare provider about the updated COVID vaccine and consider stocking up on masks and tests.

Below is information on how to stay healthy as respiratory virus season approaches. If you have questions about COVID-19, call 215-685-5488 or email publichealthinfo@phila.gov. 

We will keep in touch with any updates about COVID-19 vaccines this season.

Staying Healthy During Back-to-School Season

How can I reduce the chances of getting sick from a respiratory virus?

• PDPH recommends the following three core prevention strategies:

  • Stay up to date with vaccinations for COVID, flu, and RSV (if eligible) to protect against serious illness, hospitalization, and death.

  • Practice good hygiene. Cover coughs and sneezes, wash or sanitize hands often, and clean frequently touched surfaces.

  • Take steps for cleaner air. Bring in more fresh outside air, purify indoor air, or meet people outdoors.

• You can also follow additional prevention strategies, especially if you are at risk for severe disease:

  • Masking: The best mask for you is the most protective mask you can wear correctly and consistently.

  • Physical distancing: The closer you are to someone with a respiratory virus, the more likely you are to catch it. Avoid being near people who have symptoms and avoid crowded indoor spaces.

  • Testing: This can help you decide what to do next and make prevention or treatment choices, especially if you’re at high risk for severe illness.

Vaccines are a core prevention strategy to keep us, our loved ones, and our community safe from disease.

COVID-19 Vaccine

• Everyone who is eligible, especially those who at high risk for severe illness, should get the COVID-19 vaccine.

• People 65+ years, pregnant and postpartum people, and those with certain medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness.

• Talk to your pediatrician about your child's vaccination, especially if they are under 2.

Flu Vaccine

• Everyone 6 months of age or older should get the flu vaccine each year. 

• The flu vaccine is updated every year to protect against the strains or types of flu expected to be common or dangerous that year.

• Learn more about the flu vaccine. 

RSV Immunization

• Adults age 75 and older and some adults age 50 and older are at increased risk of severe RSV and should receive the vaccine. 

• Infants under 8 months of age who are not protected by maternal vaccination should receive one dose of an RSV antibody.

• If you are pregnant, ask your provider about the RSV vaccine. It can help prevent disease in your baby when they are born.

• Learn more about RSV. 

Offer Access to Benefits at Your Next Community Event

The Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity has a mobile Benefits Access Unit. 

• Staff members drive a special vehicle with internet access to public offices, nonprofit social services organizations, underserved areas, and neighborhood events.  

• Staff members provide information about public benefits and can start the application process on the spot. 

To request a visit from the mobile unit to your community event, complete this online form. 

Services Offered at PDPH Resource Hubs

PDPH has resource hubs in five neighborhoods to offer free services to residents. Each resource hub is staffed by public health professionals who can help visitors connect with the services they need. No appointment is required to visit a resource hub.

Services offered at the resource hubs include:

• Over-the-counter COVID-19 test kits, face masks, and hand sanitizers: Each person can receive three test kits, and we can normally accommodate requests for additional kits. No insurance or ID required.

• Over-the-counter HIV test kits: These are offered at all five resource hubs.

• Condoms and other sexual wellness materials and information: These are offered at select resource hubs.

• STI testing: Two resource hubs provide free and confidential testing on select days.

• Harm reduction supplies: All resource hubs offer free Narcan (naloxone) and fentanyl and xylazine test strips.

• Free monthly, walk-in health screenings: All resource hubs offer free monthly screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol.

• Pack n' play cribs for new or expecting parents: Free safe sleep classes and pack n' play cribs are available. To sign up, visit a resource hub or email health.resourcehubs@phila.gov.

• Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT): Offered at all resource hubs, you can receive a one-time starter kit with instructions and information about where to get more free supplies and counseling options.

• Free children's books: All resource hubs offer free books for children ages 0 through high school.

For more information about the FREE services offered at PDPH resource hubs, visit: bit.ly/ResourceHubsPHL.  

Preparedness and Emergency Resources

PDPH's Public Health Preparedness Program helps communities stay current on the latest health information and education to protect our families, neighbors, and colleagues. 

Reach out for:

• Resource tables: We can table at your next community event or gathering.

• Virtual or in-person training: We can come to your location, and we tailor our training sessions to the groups we work with. Interpretation is available.

• Community canvassing: We go door-to-door in neighborhoods where people are at highest risk for getting sick from extreme heat, respiratory viruses, or other public health hazards.

• Free, printed materials in color and multiple languages: We translate all our brochures, newsletters, and flyers.

We would love to work with you and your community.

Additional resources:

• Text-to-911 in Philadelphia: Individuals who are Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and those who face communication barriers can use this service to send a text message to 911.

• Learn more about respiratory viruses and people with disabilities:

  • Resources

  • Health promotion materials 

Stay Connected

• PDPH Call Center: 215-685-5488 (8:30am - 5:00pm, Monday - Friday)

  • Information on City public health guidance, services, resources, and more.

  • Press 3 for interpretation in your language, press 2 for Spanish.

  • Dial 711 for TRS/TTY assistance.

• PDPH COVID-19 website and social media:

  • Information on COVID-19, vaccines, and testing resources: phila.gov/COVID

  • Facebook and Twitter/X 

• Join the Community Response Partner Network (CRPN)

  • This newsletter is sent to the Community Response Partner Network, part of PDPH's Public Health Preparedness Program.

  • Sign up today to get essential public health information and share it with your family, friends, and community.

• Questions or suggestions? Email us at publichealthpreparedness@phila.gov or call us at 215-429-3016.

August 25, 2025

Furness families, welcome back! 

My name is Kayne Puchon and I am Furness High School's school nurse.  I spent 15 years as an Emergency Room RN at Temple University Hospital and worked all through the COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping your children healthy and safe in school is my number one priority. 

During the school day the easiest way to contact me is via email.  My email is kpuchon@philasd.org.

As we begin the 2025-26 School Year, I am attaching several forms that you may need to have completed at your son or daughter’s doctor appointments.

For ALL Students:  Each year, the district and state require that every student complete the Student Health Status Form (S865.)  This form provides valuable updates on your son/daughter’s health conditions as well as provides permission for your child to receive Tylenol and/or Ibuprofen during the school day.  Without this form completed, we are unable to provide these medications to your child during the school day.  The S865 form is attached.  Please print this form and complete it or it can be submitted virtually via a google doc, the link is attached. Please email me back the completed form to kpuchon@philasd.org or submit it digitally. 

Immunization Requirements:  All students are required to be up to date with their immunizations.  Please be sure that your child is up to date with all required district and state requirements.  A copy of the required immunizations is attached.

For students entering the 12th Grade, there is a second Meningitis vaccine/booster required.  Please be sure to make an appointment with your child’s doctor and have your child receive this vaccine if they have not already done so.  Please be sure to email me proof of the vaccines received.

Physical Examinations:  All 11th Grade students are required to have an updated physical completed by their primary doctor.  Please be sure to schedule an appointment with your child’s doctor and have the attached form—MEH1—completed at the visit.

For Students who require MEDICATION in school:  For any student that is required to take medication during the school day, (such as asthma inhalers, diabetes medications, ADHD or seizure medications, etc) please see the attached medication (MED1) forms.  There are specific forms for seizures and asthma inhalers, all other medications can use the standard form.

For Students who require a GYM EXEMPTION:  For any student that has a diagnosed medical condition that is unable to fully participate in physical education upon return to the school building, please have the attached Medical Exemption (MEH-23) form completed.

Once you have any medical forms completed, etc, please email them to me.  As well, don’t hesitate to email me at kpuchon@philasd.org with any questions or concerns.  I look forward to working with you all this school year.

In health, 

Kayne

Kayne Puchon, M.Ed., RN, CSN

Certified School Nurse

Furness High School

The School District of Philadelphia

1900 S. 3rd Street

Philadelphia, PA 19148

IMMUNIZATION UPDATE 25-26

The Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Department of Health requires all school-age students to receive the state-mandated vaccinations to enroll or attend a public school. Although students are not physically in school buildings, the District is still required to comply with the state’s school-age immunization laws. This school year, the state has suspended immunization requirements for every student in Pennsylvania until September 24, 2025 *Any student that does not meet the state-mandated immunization requirements by September 24, 2025 will be excluded from attending school.*

Since August I have been calling, texting and emailing guardians about non compliant vaccines. If your child is in jeopardy of exclusion from school on 9/24/2025 due to non-compliant vaccination documentation please email your child’s up-to-date vaccination records to me at Kpuchon@philasd.org by 9/24/2025 to avoid exclusion. If you need to take your child to the doctor to receive the records or the vaccinations, immediately make an appointment and email the school nurse with the date of your child’s doctor appointment to avoid exclusion by 9/24/2025 . If you require assistance or help to get your child vaccinated or taking your child to see a doctor you may be able to receive free or low cost vaccinations and/or medical care, visit www.philasd.org/vax for more information including an interactive map of locations near your home.

Please reach out to me with any questions, I am here to aid you and your child to prevent exclusion. 

Kayne Puchon

REGISTER FOR FREE DENTAL SCREENINGS!! 

9/4/2025

FLU IS ON THE RISE 

Please see school nurse room 218A for at home COVID tests and referral for flu testing. 

What is Influenza (Flu)?

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

Flu Symptoms

Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

• fever* or feeling feverish/chills

• cough

• sore throat

• runny or stuffy nose

• muscle or body aches

• headaches

• fatigue (tiredness)

• some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm

IMPORTANT LINKS