Summer Reminders from the School Nurse

A message from Sue Schy, RN, MSN, Bigelow School Nurse

This has been a challenging year for everyone. Hopefully you and your family can take time this summer to relax and rejuvenate.

Here are a few health reminders:

  • COVID-19 Vaccine: The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for people ages 12 and up. People 18 and older can get any currently authorized COVID-19 vaccine. You can find an available appointment at vaxfinder.mass.gov. You can find more information about COVID-19 vaccines here.
  • COVID-19 Safety: Although most COVID-19-related restrictions have been lifted in the state of MA, some restrictions are still in place. Be sure to pay attention to the current COVID-19 mask requirements and travel recommendations. Individual businesses may also have their own COVID-19 measures in place. You should still watch out for symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you’ve been around someone who is sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested and stay home and away from others.
  • Medication Pick-up: Parents of students who have medication stored in the health room should pick it up by the last day of school, June 22. All medication (pills, epi-pens, inhalers, etc.) not picked up will be discarded. Please plan to pick medication up so it is not wasted! Medication may not be carried home by the student — it must be picked up by an adult. School nurses will not be available after June 22 to return medication to families.
  • Medication Order Reminder: All medication orders expire at the end of the school year. If you are visiting your child’s health care provider during the summer, consider requesting a new medication order for your child. All medication, prescription or over the counter, requires an order by a health care provider. The Medication Permission Form and the Medication Policy are both available online at www.newtonma.gov/schoolhealth
  • West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and Lyme Disease Prevention:Take steps to avoid getting sick!

– Mosquito repellant not only works for mosquitoes but helps repel ticks as well. Use a repellant with DEET and follow label instructions for concentrations appropriate for children.
– Avoid being outdoors during peak mosquito hours, particularly once West Nile Virus has been detected in the mosquito population.
– Remove containers around your home (tires, kid pools, pots, tarps) that could allow mosquitoes to breed.
– Check your body for ticks after being outdoors and remove them immediately to avoid disease transmission.

  • Shoo the flu! Influenza Vaccination
    Newton HHS has not yet finalized school-based flu clinic plans for Fall 2021 due to the pandemic. Families should take advantage of any opportunity they have to get their child a flu vaccine. Information about possible school-located flu clinics for the fall will be communicated once plans are confirmed.

Have a happy and healthy summer!