Nursing Notes – Sep 2018

From Sue Shy, Bigelow Nurse

Get the flu vaccine at school, not the flu!
Seasonal flu vaccination clinics will be held during the school day at the Newton Public Schools beginning in late September. Students in Kindergarten through grade 12 may receive vaccine.

The BIGELOW clinic will be on Wednesday, October 24, 2018. Each student to be vaccinated must have a parent/guardian complete two forms:
1. Consent/Screening form
2. Vaccine administration record/Insurance form.

Forms are available in the school nurse’s office (if needed in a different language, please ask your school nurse). They may also be downloaded at www.newtonma.gov/flu. You may electronically complete the form, print, sign and return. Forms are due to the school nurse by Monday, October 22, 2018.

Only the flu shot (no nasal spray) will be offered at school this year. The Vaccine Information Statement about the flu shot, and additional information for families including tips on preparing kids for a shot is available at www.newtonma.gov/flu or in the school nurse’s office. There is no cost to receive the vaccine, but insurance information is requested. All students, regardless of insurance status, are invited to receive vaccine with parent permission.

Students are not required to receive flu vaccine, however the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends flu vaccine for all people age 6 months and up. There are many places to get a flu vaccine including at school, your primary health care provider or community clinics. For additional clinic dates for the whole family, visit www.newtonma.gov/flu.

In addition to vaccination, it is important to practice good hand hygiene and cough etiquette by washing hands often; covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the arm; and staying home when sick.

For more flu prevention tips, talk to the school nurse or check out these websites: www.newtonma.gov/flu and www.cdc.gov/flu

Stay Healthy,

Sue