HEALTH SERVICES
HANDBOOK
The Henry County School System was a pilot site for
Coordinated School Health in Tennessee
and this initiative is fully instituted in our schools.
Revised 05/5/2020
ADM 29, Atch 1
SCHOOL PHONE NUMBERS:
DOROTHY & NOBLE HARRELSON
247-3152
Bethany Peppers, RN
HENRY ELEMENTARY
243-7114
Vallena Wyatt, LPN
LAKEWOOD
644-1600
Kayla Glover, RN
Tammy Bell, Nursing Assistant
E. W. GROVE
642-4586
Kathy Damesworth, RN
HENRY CO HIGH SCHOOL
Kim Ladd, LPN
1
642-5232
Dear Parents:
We are so excited about the opportunity to work with your children in the coming
months, teaching them about their health and preventive measures to stay healthy. In keeping
with this desire to keep our school children healthy, it is important to explain when a child should
not be sent to school.
Ill children have decreased immunity and when exposed to other ill children, their
recovery time lengthens. Well children, when exposed to ill children, may become ill and spread
germs to others. It just isn’t a good thing to send an ill child to school. So, when do you keep
your child at home?
We have developed a policy for protecting your child and all others that has
proven effective in our schools for several years.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND your child to school when he/she exhibits the following:
• Fever greater than 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit (without Tylenol or Ibuprofen)
• Vomiting within the last 8-12 hours
• Stiff neck with fever or headache with fever
• A productive cough
• Nasal or eye drainage that is green, yellow, thick or otherwise unusual
• Red throat or white spots in the throat
• Unidentified rash
• Jaundice (yellow color to skin or eyes)
• Weeping skin lesions
• Diarrhea (3 loose stools per day with fever, or 3 loose stools per day for 3 days
or more
• Discomfort, uneasiness, sluggishness or severe muscle aches and pains
Please DO NOT medicate your child and think that because their symptoms are
gone because of the medicine that they are O.K. to come to school. They are still
contagious!
If your child is having issues with truancy and you want them to see the nurse at
school to be excused, please bring the child to school, directly to the nurse’s office. If the child
then needs to go home, you will be there to transport the child. Please, please do not put a
sick child on the bus to come to school.
If you have any questions regarding your child and any symptoms of illness they may be
exhibiting, please feel free to contact your school nurse for attendance guidance. Our goal is to
keep your children healthy so they may attend school, study and perform well, and learn the
lessons and tools to be successful, contributing adults in years to come.
Thank you for the opportunity to teach your children how to be healthy and stay healthy!
Sincerely,
Melissa Hollingsworth, BSN, RN
Director of Nursing
Henry County School System
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IMPORTANT INFO: PARENTS/GUARDIANS
RE: EMERGENCY EPI-PENS AT SCHOOL
If your child has a severe allergy or a chronic, debilitating respiratory condition, it is of
utmost importance for this child to have an Epi-Pen available at school. In these cases, the EpiPen may mean the difference between life and death. This medication is for emergency use
only when a person’s airway is threatened.
This school year, we will be pursuing this issue with increased attention. Take the
medication form enclosed with this packet, to your health care provider for his/her signature and
secure a prescription for an Epi-Pen, if your child meets the criteria mentioned above. The EpiPen will not be accepted by the school nurse UNTIL the medication form is signed and
returned to her.
If you are unsure whether your child meets either of these conditions mentioned above,
please consult with your health care provider. Once the medication form has been signed and
you have secured the Epi-Pen, bring both to the school nurse. If your child departs the school
campus on a field trip at any time during the school year, his/her Epi-Pen will be placed in the
safety of an accompanying trained staff member.
Epi-Pens have a very limited expiration date, usually less than 12 months, so please be
sure your Epi-Pen has not already expired, if providing one you already have. If you are
purchasing a new Epi-Pen for school use, please ask the pharmacist for as long an expiration
date as possible.
RE: STUDENT HEALTH SCREENINGS
Students in PK through 8th grades will be screened for vision, hearing, dental, blood
pressure, height/weight/BMI, lice and scoliosis (6th grade only) each year. Students in 9th grade
will be screened for blood pressure and height/weight/BMI. If you DO NOT want your child
screened, then you may opt out by sending a letter in writing to your school’s nurse by the end
of the first week of school. Screenings usually start the second or third week of school.
RE: STUDENT INJURIES
If your child/student is injured at school, during a school sponsored event, you and/or the
student MUST inform the school nurse/coach/trainer/sponsor of the injury BEFORE you see a
doctor in order to be filed under the school’s insurance. If the school
nurse/coach/trainer/sponsor is unaware of the injury and you go to the doctor, you assume ALL
medical costs.
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Medication Requirements
For the safety of all students in the school system, the following requirements have to be met in
order for medication to be taken by a student at school:
1. Students are not allowed to transport ANY medication to or from school. This includes
non-prescription medicines like ibuprofen, cough drops, & essential oils. The parent/guardian must
hand deliver the medicine to the school nurse.
2. The enclosed medication form must be completed for all medicines given at school,
except generic Tylenol tablets which are stocked by the school nurse.
a. A Health History must be completed, signed by the parent, and on file in the school
nurse’s office, with the proper notation made, permitting generic Tylenol to be given to your child
at school.
b. Children must be at least 6 yrs old and weigh at least 48 lbs to be administered these
generic Tylenol tablets at school.
c. This medication will not be offered to known, pregnant females.
d. Generic Tylenol will be given only seven times/month maximum.
3. All non-prescription medication has to be in the original container.
4. All prescription medication has to be in the original container with the following
information printed on it:
a. Student’s name
b. Name/dosage of the medication to be given
c. How the medication is to be taken
d. Prescription number and date
e. Licensed prescriber’s name
f. Pharmacy name, address, and phone number.
5. Out of date medication cannot be given at school.
6. The label on the container has to match the instructions by the parent. Ex: If the
container says once a day at lunch, but the parent says twice a day with breakfast and lunch, the nurse
can only follow the container’s directions, legally.
7. If the medication is a prescription or non-prescription drug and the student will be taking it
over a period of more than thirty days, the medication form must be signed by a physician.
8. A Doctor’s signature is required on a medication form (see enclosed) for all inhalers
and/or Epi-pens at school, whether carried by the student or in nursing’s possession.
9. Medications can only be taken at school when the child is required to take it during school
hours. This means if the Dr’s order says take the medicine three times per day, it can be taken at home
before school, when the child returns home from school, and at bedtime. There would be no reason for it
to be taken at school, in this case. Also, once or twice daily medicines should not need to be given at
school, if at all possible, unless doses absolutely must be given a certain number of hours apart or with
meals.
10. Telephone permission is not permitted, under any circumstances, for a nurse to
administer medication to your child, prescriptive or non-prescriptive.
11. If unused medication is not picked up within fourteen days of the last day of school, the
medication will be sent to the Sheriff’s Office for destruction. Medications are not kept from one
school year to the next.
Please follow these directives and do not ask your school nurse to perform medication
functions outside of these boundaries. This keeps us all in the safe zone. Thank you.
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Information on Head Lice for Parents
What are Head Lice?
Head lice are tiny, wingless, grayish-tan insects that live and breed in human hair. The eggs,
called nits, are easier to see than the lice themselves, and are usually found attached to hair shafts close
to the scalp, behind the ears, and on the back of the head. Nits cannot be washed away like dirt or
dandruff; they must be removed with a special comb, called a nit comb, designed for this purpose. Head
lice can only survive for up to 2 days without a human host and cannot live on family pets.
How do they spread?
Head lice are contagious with head to head contact and when sharing personal items such as
combs, brushes, scarves, hats, headphones, sleeping bags, and stuffed animals. To minimize the risk of
repeated outbreaks, remind your children not to share these items.
How are they detected?
The first clue that a child has head lice is frequent scratching of the scalp. To check for
infestation, carefully examine the hair around the back of the neck and behind the ears. Since head lice
shy away from light, you may only see their eggs (nits) which are small, whitish, gelatinous-looking ovals
of uniform size, firmly attached to the hair shaft. If you blow on dandruff, it freely blows away. If you blow
on a nit, it will not move.
How are they treated?
1. Head lice infestation can be treated with a head lice medication, called a pediculicide. There
are several brands on the market, and they come in a variety of forms such as a shampoo,
crème rinse, and lotion. None of the over-the-counter brands will kill the nits. Do not rewash hair for two days following treatment.
2. Re-check all treated family members by combing through their hair daily with a nit comb,
removing nits until 4 weeks after the initial treatment.
3. Re-treatment is required 9 days after the initial treatment. Re-treat all previously treated
family members.
What is the lice policy in the Henry County School System?
1. PK-5th graders are checked for head lice during the first 3-4 weeks of school and the first 2
weeks after returning from Christmas break. Other grades are reminded about lice and how
to prevent infestation.
2. The nurse checks any referred students with “itching heads”. A manual check is done first,
looking for either nits or lice. Then a Robicomb is used to detect any live lice that might have
been missed. All lice checks are documented on a log.
3. If lice are found, the nurse documents where and how many were found. The
parent/guardian is called, and the student is sent home from school with an instruction
letter on how to treat the lice infestation. If only nits are found, a Nit Removal Letter is sent
home.
4. Elementary classmates (PK-5) receive a notification letter, advising parents/guardians that a
classmate was found to have lice or nits. The student in question is NEVER IDENTIFIED.
All elementary classmates will be examined by the nurse for the presence of lice/nits.
Additionally any siblings of the infested student, who attend Henry County Schools, will be
examined by a school nurse.
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5. In order to return to school, the parent/guardian must return to school with the student, a
completed, “Lice -Return to School Form”, and the manufacturer’s packaging from the
treatment method used. The student may return to school as soon as the next day if
treatment has been done effectively.
6. The parent/guardian and student are to go directly to the School Nurse on the morning of
their return for a re-examination of their scalp. If lice are found, the student is sent back
home with the parent/guardian, with further instructions for
care and a suggestion to follow-up with a health care provider. If only nits are found, the
parent/guardian is reminded to continue working with the nit comb to remove all remaining
nits. The student is also scheduled for a re-check in 10 days by the nurse. The parent is
advised of the need to retreat 9 days after the first treatment.
7. At the 10 day (2nd) re-check, if any lice are found, the student is sent home with a Lice
Confirmation Letter, Information on Head Lice for Parents Instructions, and a Return to
School Form. Lice found at this point are most likely due to a failure to re-treat. The parent
must return to school with the child for the 3rd re-check, occurring on the morning this child
returns to school. If lice are still present at this check, a new file is opened on this child, and
this is considered a new lice event. The inspection procedure begins anew.
8. IF only nits are found, a Nit Removal Letter is sent home, encouraging parents/guardians to
continue using the nit comb. The student is re-checked once more in 10 days. Hopefully, the
child will be clear of lice/nits. If lice are found at this re-check, this is considered a new event
and the procedure begins anew. If only nits are found, this case is closed.
Parents: Please accompany your child to school for the re-checks after having been sent home
with live lice.
Why are lice so persistent?
Lice usually persist because of the difficulty in removing all nits (eggs), from both the child’s scalp
and their surroundings.
How do I treat their surroundings?
1. Wash all clothing and bed linens in hot water and place in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes.
If this isn’t possible, place the linens and clothing in an airtight bag for two weeks. Dry
cleaning will also kill lice and nits.
2. Vacuum backs of chairs, throw pillows, mattresses, car seats, headrests, and rugs that might
have been in contact with infested hair. Empty the vacuum bag immediately, place it in a tied
plastic bag, and discard it into the trash.
3. Spray all furniture, bedding, carpeting, car seats, book bags, etc, that cannot be washed, with
an over-the-counter anti-lice spray (ask your pharmacist for assistance).
4. Disinfect combs, brushes, sports helmets, and other objects that come in contact with the
head, by soaking in medicated shampoo or very hot soapy water.
5. Place all stuffed animals, the child may have been in contact with, on a white sheet out in the
sunshine for several hours. The lice will crawl away and you will be able to visualize them on
the sheet (Be sure to wash the sheet in hot, soapy water afterwards). Then, place the stuffed
animals in the dryer for 20 minutes. This will ensure there are no remaining lice present.
Head lice are no picnic for the child, his parent/guardian, or the school, but
they are no cause for panic or shame either. Vigilance and appropriate
treatment will control an outbreak.
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Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
What You Need to Know
1. Why get vaccinated?
Influenza (“flu”) is a contagious disease that spreads around the United States every year, usually
between October and May.
Flu is caused by influenza viruses, and is spread mainly by coughing, sneezing, and close contact.
Anyone can get flu. Flu strikes suddenly and can last several days. Symptoms vary by age, but can
include:
 fever/chills
 sore throat
 muscle aches
 fatigue
 cough
 headache
 runny or stuffy nose
Flu can also lead to pneumonia and blood infections, and cause diarrhea and seizures in children. If you
have a medical condition, such as heart or lung disease, flu can make it worse.
Flu is more dangerous for some people. Infants and young children, people 65 years of age and older,
pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions or a weakened immune system are at
greatest risk.
Each year thousands of people in the United States die from flu, and many more are hospitalized.
Flu vaccine can:
 keep you from getting flu,
 make flu less severe if you do get it, and
 keep you from spreading flu to your family and other people.
2. Inactivated and recombinant flu vaccines
A dose of flu vaccine is recommended every flu season. Children 6 months through 8 years of age may
need two doses during the same flu season. Everyone else needs only one dose each flu season.
Some inactivated flu vaccines contain a very small amount of a mercury-based preservative called
thimerosal. Studies have not shown thimerosal in vaccines to be harmful, but flu vaccines that do not
contain thimerosal are available.
There is no live flu virus in flu shots. They cannot cause the flu.
There are many flu viruses, and they are always changing. Each year a new flu vaccine is made to
protect against three or four viruses that are likely to cause disease in the upcoming flu season. But even
when the vaccine doesn’t exactly match these viruses, it may still provide some protection.
Flu vaccine cannot prevent:
 flu that is caused by a virus not covered by the vaccine, or
 illnesses that look like flu but are not.
It takes about 2 weeks for protection to develop after vaccination, and protection lasts through the
flu season.
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3. Some people should not get this vaccine
Tell the person who is giving you the vaccine:
 If you have any severe, life-threatening allergies. If you ever had a life-threatening allergic
reaction after a dose of flu vaccine, or have a severe allergy to any part of this vaccine, you may
be advised not to get vaccinated. Most, but not all, types of flu vaccine contain a small amount of
egg protein.
 If you ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (also called GBS). Some people with a history of
GBS should not get this vaccine. This should be discussed with your doctor.
 If you are not feeling well. It is usually okay to get flu vaccine when you have a mild illness, but
you might be asked to come back when you feel better.
4. Risks of a vaccine reaction
With any medicine, including vaccines, there is a chance of reactions. These are usually mild and go
away on their own, but serious reactions are also possible.
Most people who get a flu shot do not have any problems with it.
Minor problems following a flu shot include:
 soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
 hoarseness
 sore, red or itchy eyes
 cough
 fever
 aches
 headache
 itching
 fatigue
If these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1 or 2 days.
More serious problems following a flu shot can include the following:
 There may be a small increased risk of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) after inactivated flu
vaccine. This risk has been estimated at 1 or 2 additional cases per million people vaccinated.
This is much lower than the risk of severe complications from flu, which can be prevented by flu
vaccine.
 Young children who get the flu shot along with pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13) and/or DTaP
vaccine at the same time might be slightly more likely to have a seizure caused by fever. Ask
your doctor for more information. Tell your doctor if a child who is getting flu vaccine has ever had
a seizure.
Problems that could happen after any injected vaccine:
 People sometimes faint after a medical procedure, including vaccination. Sitting or lying down for
about 15 minutes can help prevent fainting, and injuries caused by a fall. Tell your doctor if you
feel dizzy, or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.
 Some people get severe pain in the shoulder and have difficulty moving the arm where a shot
was given. This happens very rarely.
 Any medication can cause a severe allergic reaction. Such reactions from a vaccine are very
rare, estimated at about 1 in a million doses, and would happen within a few minutes to a few
hours after the vaccination.
As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a serious injury or
death.
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The safety of vaccines is always being monitored. For more information, visit:
www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/
5. What if there is a serious reaction?
What should I look for?
 Look for anything that concerns you, such as signs of a severe allergic reaction, very high fever,
or unusual behavior.
 Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty
breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, and weakness. These would start a few minutes to a few
hours after the vaccination.
What should I do?
 If you think it is a severe allergic reaction or other emergency that can’t wait, call 9-1-1 and get
the person to the nearest hospital. Otherwise, call your doctor.
 Reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your
doctor should file this report, or you can do it yourself through the VAERS web site at
www.vaers.hhs.gov, or by calling 1-800-822-7967.
VAERS does not give medical advice.
6. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a federal program that was created to
compensate people who may have been injured by certain vaccines.
Persons who believe they may have been injured by a vaccine can learn about the program and about
filing a claim by calling 1-800-338-2382 or visiting the VICP website at
www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation.
There is a time limit to file a claim for compensation.
7. How can I learn more?
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Ask your healthcare provider. He or she can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest
other sources of information.
Call your local or state health department.
Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or
- Visit CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/flu
Cold vs Flu
Health Tidbits:
• There is no cure for the common cold. Treat the symptoms with increased fluids, rest
and over-the-counter cold medication. Colds will usually last 7-10 days. Medical providers
have no cure for the cold.
• Fever is the hallmark sign of a flu virus. Usually, you will see a temperature at or
above 102°F. Anti-viral medications are available from your health care provider. These
medications do not cure the flu, but help to prevent the virus from replicating further in your
body. Again, rest, increased fluids and Ibuprofen or Tylenol will help control the symptoms.
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Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is a relatively common but rarely serious infection of the fluid in the spinal cord
and the fluid that surrounds the brain. Viral meningitis is caused by any of a number of different viruses,
many of which are associated with other diseases. Mosquito-borne viruses can also cause viral
meningitis. There is no specific treatment for viral meningitis. The illness is usually mild and clears up in
about a week, with supportive care. Prevention centers on washing hands thoroughly and often and
avoiding mosquito bites.
What is viral meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection of the fluid in the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain.
Meningitis is usually caused by an infection with a virus or a bacterium. Knowing whether meningitis is
caused by a virus or a bacterium is important because of differences in the seriousness of the illness and
the treatment needed. Viral meningitis is usually relatively mild. It clears up in a week or two without
specific treatment. Viral meningitis is also called aseptic meningitis.
What viruses cause viral meningitis?
Viral meningitis is caused by any of a number of different viruses, many of which are associated
with other diseases. About half of the cases in the U.S. are caused by common intestinal viruses.
Occasionally, children with mumps or herpes virus infection develop viral meningitis. Mosquito-borne
viruses also cause some cases each year. In many cases, a specific virus cannot be identified.
Where is viral meningitis found?
Viral meningitis is found worldwide. Cases occurring in summer and fall are usually caused by
mosquito-borne viruses. Those occurring in winter are likely due to other diseases.
How do people get viral meningitis?
The way people get viral meningitis depends on the virus involved. Some viruses that cause viral
meningitis are spread by person-to-person contact; others are spread by insects. Fortunately, very few
people who become infected with these viruses actually develop meningitis.
What are the signs and symptoms of viral meningitis?
Symptoms are fever, headache, stiff neck, and tiredness. Rash, sore throat, and vomiting can
also occur.
How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?
Symptoms generally appear within one week of exposure. Illness usually lasts less than 10 days,
and people usually recover completely without complications.
Who is at risk for viral meningitis?
Anyone can get viral meningitis, but it occurs most often in children and young adults.
How is viral meningitis diagnosed?
Viral meningitis is diagnosed by blood tests.
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What is the treatment for viral meningitis?
No specific treatment is available for viral meningitis. Supportive care and medical observation
are warranted, until blood test results are known and confirm the cause as viral. Antibiotics do not work
against viruses.
How common is viral meningitis?
Viral meningitis is relatively common. Almost all cases occur as events. Outbreaks are rare.
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How can viral meningitis be prevented?
Pay careful attention to personal hygiene – Hand washing helps prevent infection with many of
the viruses that can cause viral meningitis. Wash hands with soap and warm water after using
the toilet, after changing diapers, before preparing and eating food, and after sneezing and
coughing.
Avoid mosquito bites – If possible, stay inside between dusk and dark. This is when most types
of mosquitoes are most active. When outside between dusk and dark, wear long pants and longsleeved shirts. Spray exposed skin with an insect repellent.
Meningococcal Vaccines
What You Need to Know
1.
What is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness. It is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2 through
18 years old in the United States. Meningitis is an infection of the covering of the brain and the spinal cord.
Meningococcal disease also causes blood infections.
About 1,000 – 1,200 people get meningococcal disease each year in the U.S. Even when they are treated with
antibiotics, 10-15% of these people die. Of those who live, another 11%-19% lose their arms or legs, have problems with their
nervous systems, become deaf, or suffer seizures or strokes.
Anyone can get meningococcal disease. But it is most common in infants less than one year of age and people 16-21
years. Children with certain medical conditions, such as lack of a spleen, have an increased risk of getting meningococcal
disease. College freshmen living in dorms are also at increased risk.
Meningococcal infections can be treated with drugs such as penicillin. Still, many people who get the disease die from it, and
many others are affected for life. This is why preventing the disease through use of meningococcal vaccine is important for
people at highest risk.
2.
Meningococcal vaccine
There are two kinds of meningococcal vaccine in the U.S.:
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) is the preferred vaccine for people 55 years of age and younger.
Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4) has been available since the 1970s. It is the only meningococcal
vaccine licensed for people older than 55.
Both vaccines can prevent 4 types of meningococcal disease, including 2 of the 3 types most common in the United
States and a type that causes epidemics in Africa. There are other types of meningococcal disease; the vaccines do not protect
against these.
3.
Who should get meningococcal vaccine and when?
Routine Vaccination
Two doses of MCV4 are recommended for adolescents 11 through 18 years of age: the first dose at 11 or 12 years of
age, with a booster dose at age 16.
Adolescents in this age group with HIV infection should get three doses: 2 doses 2 months apart at 11 or 12 years,
plus a booster at age 16.
If the first dose (or series) is given between 13 and 15 years of age, the booster should be given between 16 and 18. If
the first dose (or series) is given after the 16th birthday, a booster is not needed.
Other People at Increased Risk
College freshmen living in dormitories.
Laboratory personnel who are routinely exposed to meningococcal bacteria.
U.S. military recruits.
Anyone traveling to, or living in, a part of the world where meningococcal disease is common, such as parts of Africa.
Anyone who has a damaged spleen, or whose spleen has been removed.
Anyone who has persistent complement component deficiency (an immune system disorder).
People who might have been exposed to meningitis during an outbreak.
Children between 9 and 23 months of age, and anyone else with certain medical conditions need 2 doses for
adequate protection. Ask your doctor about the number and timing of doses, and the need for booster doses.
MCV4 is the preferred vaccine for people in these groups who are 9 months through 55 years of age. MPSV4 can be
used for adults older than 55 years of age.
4. Some people should not get meningococcal vaccine or should wait.
Anyone who has ever had a severe (life-threatening) allergic reaction to a previous
dose of MCV4 or MPSV4 vaccine should not get another dose of either vaccine.
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Anyone who has a severe (life threatening) allergy to any vaccine component should not get the vaccine. Tell
your doctor if you have any severe allergies.
Anyone who is moderately or severely ill at the time the shot is scheduled should probably wait until they
recover. Ask your doctor. People with a mild illness can usually get the vaccine.
Meningococcal vaccines may be given to pregnant women. MCV4 is a fairly new vaccine and
has not been studied in pregnant women as much as MPSV4 has. It should be used only if clearly needed. The manufacturers
of MCV4 maintain pregnancy registries for women who are vaccinated while pregnant.
Except for children with sickle cell disease or without a working spleen, meningococcal vaccines may be given at the
same time as other vaccines.
5.
What are the risks from meningococcal vaccines?
A vaccine, like any medicine, could possibly cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk
of meningococcal vaccine causing serious harm or death, is extremely small.
Brief fainting spells and related symptoms (such as jerking or seizure-like movements) can follow
a vaccination. They happen most often with adolescents, and they can result in falls and injuries. Sitting or lying down for about
15 minutes after getting the shot – especially if you feel faint – can help prevent these injuries.
Mild Problems
As many as half the people who get meningococcal vaccines have mild side effects, such as
redness or pain where the shot was given. If these problems occur, they usually last for 1-2 days. They are more common after
MCV4 than after MPSV4. A small percentage of people who receive the vaccine develop a mild fever.
Severe Problems
Serious allergic reactions, within a few minutes to a few hours of the shot, are very rare.
6.
What if there is a moderate or severe reaction? What should I look for?
Any unusual condition, such as a severe allergic reaction or a high fever. If a severe allergic reaction occurred,
it would be within a few minutes to an hour after the shot. Signs of a serious allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing,
weakness, hoarseness or wheezing, a fast heart beat, hives, dizziness, paleness, or swelling of the throat.
What should I do?
Call a doctor, or get the person to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the vaccination was given.
Ask you provider to report the reaction by filing a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form. Or
you can file this report through the VAERS website at www.vaers.hhs.gov, or by calling
1-800-822-7967. VAERS does not provide medical advice.
7.
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) was created in 1986. Persons who believe they may
have been injured by a vaccine can learn about the program and about filing a claim by calling
1-800-338-2382 or visiting the VICP website at www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation.
8.
How Can I Learn More?
Your doctor can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other sources of information.
Call your local or state health department.
Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): 1-800-232-4636
Visit CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines.
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Excerpts from the Student Wellness Policy 6.411
The Henry County School Board recognizes the link between student wellness and academic
achievement. In order to implement overall wellness for students, the Board developed Student Wellness
Policy 6.411. The Board permits teachers, school health professionals, parents, administrators, and any
interested citizens to participate in the development of wellness policies and be involved in the district and
school’s health council.
Henry County Schools strives to educate students about personal health (nutrition, mental & physical
health).
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All schools offer school meals and snack programs with menus that meet the patterns and
nutrition standards established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids
Act 2010.
School parties or celebrations shall have at least 50% of the offered food items meet the
standards set forth in this policy. All school parties/celebrations should take place after the
healthy school meals.
Food and beverage items shall not be used as student rewards without health considerations.
Withholding of food or beverage items as student punishment shall never be used. Additional
physical activity time would be great to use as a reward. Non-food rewards are encouraged.
Healthy foods for celebrations/parties:
 Fresh fruits: grapes, strawberries, bananas,
kiwi, pineapple, apples, oranges, etc.
 Fresh vegetables: baby carrots, broccoli,
celery, cucumbers, etc. with ranch dip
 100% fruit juice
 Skim milk
 Baked chips
 Popcorn: not buttered
 Granola bars/Cereal bars
 Bagels
 Yogurt
 Nuts (if no allergies in classroom)
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Pretzels
Cheese cubes
Fruit snacks
Animal crackers
Teddy grahams/graham
crackers
Jell-o/pudding cups
100% Fruit juice popsicles
Raisins
Sherbet
Vanilla wafers
Fruit smoothies