Health Services and School Nursing
Caroline County Dental Program
September 23, 2015
Now accepting new patients age 1-19 for children who have Medicaid, FAMIS, private insurance or no insurance.
If you don’t have insurance, you may qualify for discounted services. With your permission, we also offer a special program to transport your child directly to and from school for appointments.
For more information call 804-632-8006 Monday-Thursday 8am-430pm or see the school nurse.
Update on the Outbreak of Measles
February 6, 2015
The current outbreak of measles in the United States has been highly covered in the media. To date, there have been no reported cases of measles in Virginia. In 2014 there were two cases and none were reported in 2012 or 2013. Despite these facts, school staff may still have concerns about their students and themselves. The information that follows is intended to provide staff with information to make informed decisions regarding their personal status with regard to measles immunity.
There has been no change in the vaccination recommendations for adults regarding the measles vaccines. You would be presumed immune against measles if you meet at least one of the following:
- Written documentation of adequate vaccination:
- One or more doses of a measles containing vaccine administered on or after the first birthday for preschool-age children and adults not at risk
- Two doses of measles-containing vaccine for school-age children and adults at high risk, including college students, health care personnel, and international travelers
- Laboratory evidence of immunity
- Laboratory confirmation of measles
- Born in the United States before 1957
- Provider diagnosed disease, without laboratory confirmation, is not considered acceptable evidence of measles immunity
If an adult, born after 1957, and not in a high risk group, wishes to receive a second dose of vaccine it would be allowable under the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Inactivated vaccine was given between 1964 and 1967. If you are not sure which type of vaccine was given, you should consult your health care provider to determine if laboratory testing for immunity or re-vaccination is appropriate.
As always, hand washing remains the best way to avoid becoming ill. If you are sick, you should stay home until fever-free for 24 hours without medications to reduce fever. Cover your cough and wash hands after coughing or sneezing.
Resources:
CDC, general information on measles: http://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html
CDC, measles vaccination information: http://www.cdc.gov/measles/vaccination.html
If staff members are concerned about measles immunity, they should consult their primary health care provider. Questions may be addressed to the school nurse, local health department immunization coordinator, or Tia Campbell, school health specialist at the Virginia Department of Education, Tia.campbell@doe.virginia.gov or 804-786-8671.
U.S. Multi-state Measles Outbreak, December 2014 – January 2015
February 2, 2015
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and State Health Departments are investigating a multi-state outbreak of measles associated with travel to Disneyland Resort Theme Parks (which includes Disneyland and Disney California Adventure). The purpose of this HAN Advisory is to notify public health departments and healthcare facilities about this measles outbreak and to provide guidance to healthcare providers. Healthcare providers should ensure that all of their patients are current on MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. They should consider measles in the differential diagnosis of patients with fever and rash and ask patients about recent international travel or travel to domestic venues frequented by international travelers. They should also ask patients about their history of measles exposures in their community. Please disseminate this information to healthcare providers in hospitals and emergency rooms, to primary care providers, and to microbiology laboratories.
Click here for more information.
Influenza (Flu)
December 15, 2014
The most recent FluView report for the 2014-2015 flu season shows that flu season is beginning in the United States. There are reports of flu illness, hospitalizations and deaths, and activity is expected to increase in the coming weeks.
What is influenza (also called flu)? The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
Below you will find the website link from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention that provides information about the flu.
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm
Ebola Virus Information from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
October 30, 2014
At the current time, there are no cases of Ebola in Virginia. Our national health system has the capacity and expertise to quickly detect and contain this disease and is working with states and school districts to ensure the safety of our students and school employees. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is our primary source of information on Ebola. Current information may be found at the CDC Web site:
http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/index.html/
Caroline County Public Schools is being proactive in order to help prevent the Ebola virus by having students wash their hands often and using disinfectant wipes on desks, door knobs, switches, and anything else that is frequently touched. If someone has symptoms of Ebola and possible exposure, that person should limit contact with others and see a health care provider immediately. If you have any questions, please contact your school nurse or click on the link below.
Vdh_Epi_Comments@vdh.virginia.gov
Additional information can be found at:
Welcome Back Students
August 20, 2013
Welcome to the 2013-2014 school year. We look forward to having a healthy and successfull year here at Caroline County Public Schools.
As a reminder all kindergarten students will need to provide a school physical, and will need to be up-to-date on their immunizations. Also all students entering 6th grade will need to have completed their Tdap vaccine prior to September 2013.
Enjoy the last week of summer vacation, we are eager to meet with you next week during open house!
Scoliosis Facts
November 20, 2012
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. The spine has gentle natural curves that round the shoulders and make the lower back curve inward, scoliosis involves a deformity of the spinal column and rib cage. To varying degrees, the spine curves from side-to-side, and some of the spinal bones may rotate to make the hips and shoulders appear uneven. Scoliosis occurs in healthy school-age children, showing signs during the ages of 10-14 years of age. Early screening and treatment is necessary to prevent scoliosis from progressing to a stage where it interferes with mobility or activities. If you need further information on scoliosis or need an assessment please contact your child’s school nurse.
Additional Resources: The Scoliosis Association, Inc. www.scoliosis-assoc.org, http://www.spinekids.com
Dental Health Clinic
September 25, 2012
In helping children receive proper dental care please visit Caroline County’s Dental Clinic at 804-633-5465. This Dental Program services children that have medicaid, famis or no dental insurance. You may also contact your school nurse for more information.
Notification of Health Screenings
September 25, 2012
Caroline County Public Schools will be conducting speech, language, hearing, vision, and motor development screenings for grades K, 3, 7, and 10. These screenings will be completed by the speech pathologist, school nurse, and physical education teachers. Parents will be notified of the screening results if further evaluation is needed.
