Great Oaks Elementary School Nurse Notes
Hello My Name Is Shannon Risner, RN
I have been a nurse since 2007. This is my 11th year as a school nurse. I’m originally from Ohio. I love to travel and spend time with my husband and daughters. My daughters are both Geckos and are currently in 3rd and 4th grade.
Flu Information
Take Action to Fight the Flu and Stay Healthy
Here at the Williamson Counties and Cities Health District, we take flu very seriously. It is a virus that infects thousands of our county residents each year. Last year, we saw a peak in flucases at the end of December while the holidays were still in progress. While we cannot predict when flu will hit this year, we want to ensure that all of our residents are prepared early and protected from the flu. The best protection for children, ages 6 months and up, and adults is to get a flu vaccine. October is the best time of year to get a fluvaccine and getting immunized every year gives you the best protection from the flu.This is especially important if you are pregnant or if you or your loved ones have respiratory problems like asthma or chronic lung disease. There are a couple of options to get vaccinated. For children, the nasal spray is recommended for ages 2 to 8 year old. Flu shots are also recommended for older children and adults. Take time to inquire which flu vaccine options are best for you and your family. The other measures to prevent the flu are pretty simple. Try to avoid close contact with sick people and wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer. Getting vaccinated and using caution during the flu seasoncan reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu‐related hospitalizations and deaths. Collective action to protect ourselves during the flu season will keep Williamson County one of the healthiest counties in Texas.
W. S. “Chip” Riggins, Jr., MD, MPH
Executive Director and Health Authority, Williamson County & Cities Health District
In addition to hand washing and flu vaccine, avoid touching the “Tzone,” which includes the eyes, nose, and mouth. Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow. Stay home when ill to prevent the spread of illness, do not return to work/school until fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication, such as Tylenol or Advil.
Nurse Shannon
Immunization Requirements
3 year olds and 4 year olds (PRE K)
✓HIB and PCV not routinely administered to children ≥ 5 years of age.
4 doses of DTP, DTaP, DT
3 doses of Polio
1 dose of MMR1 on/after 1st birthday
3 doses of HIB with the 3rd dose given on/after 1st birthday and at least 2 months since dose #2 OR 1 dose on/after 15 months of age
4 doses of PCV2 with one given after 1st birthday OR 1 dose on/or after 24 months of age
3 doses of Hepatitis B1
1 dose of Varicella1 on/after 1st birthday (if the child has NOT had chickenpox)
2 doses of Hepatitis A1 on/after 1st birthday (must allow 18 months between doses)
Kindergarten – Fifth Grade ✓Ages 7 years and older, 3 doses of DTP containing vaccine with one dose on/after 4th birthday.
5 doses of DTP, DTaP, DT with one on/after 4th birthday OR 4 doses if one dose is on/after the 4th birthday
4 doses of Polio with one on/after 4th birthday OR 3 doses if one dose is on/after 4th birthday
2 doses of MMR1 on/after 1st birthday
3 doses of Hepatitis B1
2 doses of Varicella1 on/after 1st birthday (if the child has NOT had chickenpox)
2 doses of Hepatitis A1 on/after 1st birthday (must allow 18 months between doses)
Sixth Grade
✓ Ages 7 years and older, 3 doses of DTP containing vaccine with one dose on/after 4th birthday.
5 doses of DTP, DTaP, DT, Td, Tdap with one on/after 4th birthday OR 4 doses if one dose is on/after the 4thbirthday
4 doses of Polio with one on/after 4th birthday OR 3 doses if one dose is on/after 4th birthday
2 doses of Measles1, 1 dose of Mumps1 and 1 dose of Rubella1 on/after 1st birthday
3 doses of Hepatitis B1
1 dose of Varicella1 on/after 1st birthday (if the child has NOT had chickenpox)
Seventh Grade
3 doses of DTP, DTaP, DT, Td, Tdap with one on/after 4th birthday, AND 1 dose of Tdap within the last 5 years. Td is acceptable in lieu of Tdap if a contraindication to pertussis exists.
4 doses of Polio with one on/after 4th birthday OR 3 doses if one dose is on/after 4th birthday
2 doses of Measles1, 1 dose of Mumps1 and 1 dose of Rubella1 on/after 1st birthday
3 doses of Hepatitis B1,3
2 doses of Varicella1,4 on/after 1st birthday (if the child has NOT had chickenpox)
1 dose of Meningococcal
Eighth – Twelfth Grade
3 doses of DTP, DTaP, DT, Td, Tdap5 with one on/after 4th birthday, AND 1 dose of Tdap is required within the last 10 years. Td is acceptable in lieu of Tdap if a contraindication to pertussis exists.
4 doses of Polio5,6 with one on/after 4th birthday OR 3 doses if one dose is on/after 4th birthday
2 doses of Measles1, 1 dose of Mumps1 and 1 dose of Rubella1 on/after the 1st birthday
3 doses of Hepatitis B1,3
2 doses of Varicella1,4 on/after 1st birthday (if the child has NOT had chickenpox)
1 dose of Meningococcal
This chart summarizes the vaccine requirements in Title 25 Health Services, §§ 97.61-97.72 of the Texas Administrative Code. This chart is not intended as a substitute for consulting the Texas Administrative code, which has other provisions and details.http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=25&pt=1&ch=97&sch=B&rl=Y
***All vaccine doses administered up to and including 4 days before the minimum interval of age will satisfy school entry immunization requirements
1 Serologic confirmation of immunity to Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, or Varicella or serologic evidence of infection is acceptable in place of vaccine.
2 Other schedules may apply.
3 2 doses of adult formulation Hepatitis B (Recombivax) administered to a child 11-15 years old are acceptable if manufacturer and mL are clearly documented.
4 Two doses of Varicella are required if student received the first dose on or after 13 years of age. Previous Chickenpox illness may be documented with a written statement
from a physician, school nurse, or the child’s parent or guardian containing wording such as: “This is to verify that (name of student) had Varicella disease
(chickenpox) on or about (date) and does not need Varicella vaccine.” This written statement will be acceptable in place of any and all Varicella vaccine doses required.
5 Doses of DTaP/Polio administered the month of or prior to the 4th birthday are acceptable for students in 11th -12th grade(students enrolled in school prior to 8/1/04).
6 Polio vaccine is not required for students 18 years or older.
DSHS Region 7 S:\IMM\AUDITNEW\SchoolRequirements
Revised 03/04/2014
NOTE: This Reference Guide is subject to change depending on immunization requirement c
Notes
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All vaccine doses administered less than or equal to four days before the minimum interval or age shall be counted as valid.
-
Does not need a dose of Polio after the 4th birthday if 4 doses of clearly documented combination of IPV and OPV were received before 4 years of age.
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HIB and PCV7 are not recommended for children 5 years of age or older.
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Polio is not required for age 18 and above.
Religious and conscientious exemptions can be requested by mail or online:
Mailing Address:
Immunization Branch
Department of State Health Services
Immunization Branch (MC 1946)
P.O. Box 149347
Austin, TX 78714-9347
Hand Delivery:
Department of State Health Services
Immunization Branch (MC 1946)
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756
Secure online request form for exemption affidavit:
https://webds.dshs.state.tx.us/immco/affidavit.shtm
For more information regarding immunizations and exemptions:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/default.shtm
Religious and Conscientious Exemptions will be valid for only two years. These students may be excluded from school in times of emergency or epidemics declared by the commissioner of public health.
Medical Exemptions must be signed by an MD or DO. In the statement it must state that the vaccine required is medically contraindicated or poses a significant risk to the well being of the child or any member of the child’s household. Unless it is written in the statement that a lifelong condition exists, the exemption is valid for only one year from the date signed by the physician, not the date you receive it.
Medication Administration
Resources for Parents
Where to get a flu shot for adults & children.
Flu Shot Information & Locations
A comprehensive site for parents to learn about their child’s
health. Covers many topics such as illnesses/injuries,
nutrition/recipes, growth & development, safety, parenting tips,
etc.
Kids’ Health for Parents
The Texas Dept. of State Health Services offers steps you can
take to stay healthy. This site discusses the differences
between seasonal flu and pandemic flu, while offering other links
for family preparedness.
Steps to Stay Healthy
A fun web site that offers great tips on meal planning/shopping
tips, family recipe ideas, and even a live blog where you
can “ask the expert” your questions about nutrition.
Fruits & Veggies: More Matters
Calculate your child’s BMI in a snap and see where he/she falls
on the BMI growth chart in percentiles.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator
Order replacement or additional glasses online at discounted
prices.
Lost or Broken Glasses?
Learn the signs and symptoms of a concussion. Know when to seek
medical care.
Concussion Fact Sheet
Watch this child friendly video with your kids to help prevent
the spread of germs.
How to Sneeze Video
The Choking Game is a misunderstood activity causing death and
suffering for thousands of families worldwide. G.A.S.P. is a
nationwide campaign set up to fight this “game” with the most
powerful weapon at our disposal: education.
Help Stop the Choking Game
Resources for Kids
A comprehensive site for kids to learn about their own health.
Covers many topics such as illnesses/injuries, feelings, common
questions kids have, safety, etc.
Kids’ Health for Kids
Created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
for kids 9-13 years old. Provides comprehensive information for
kids to make healthy lifestyle choices.
BAM! Body and Mind
Contains fun games and activities to help kids get excited about
eating more fruits and vegtables. Includes healthy snack recipes
easy enough for kids to make.
Fruit & Veggie Color Champions
Nutrition education for kids to learn through games/activities.
Nutrition Explorations
Dental health facts and information, includes games and other
useful links for kids.
Kids’ Stuff
Online games and activities for elementary aged kids to learn
about dental health.
Colgate Kids’ World
Watch the right and wrong way to sneeze, in order to prevent the
spread of germs.
How to Sneeze Video