Cases of influenza-like illness in the Newton Public Schools are decreasing. The most recent data show that district-wide, less than 1 percent of students are out sick with influenza-like illness. It is uncertain if the illness level will remain low or increase again at a later date. It is very important that families maintain good habits of keeping sick kids at home, notifying the school of the reason for any absences, and frequent hand washing.
School nurses will continue daily absence surveillance:
THE WILLIAMS SCHOOL ABSENCE/SAFE ARRIVAL NUMBER is: 617-559-6499.
The Newton Health & Human Services Department is planning for H1N1 vaccination clinics for all of the Newton schools in December. The free vaccine will be offered during school hours.
To sign your child up to receive the vaccine at school, download the documents below from the City of Newton Flu Website at: http://www.newtonma.gov/flu/
Paper copies are also available from your school nurse. Completed forms are due to your school nurse by Thursday, Dec. 3. No child will be vaccinated without these forms. Insurance information is collected on the Vaccine Administration Record because we anticipate being able to bill insurance companies for vaccine administration.
- Read the Vaccine Information Statement for the type of vaccine you want your child to receive: shot or nasal spray
- Sign and return the Consent Form to the School Nurse for the type of vaccine you want your child to receive: shot or nasal spray
- Sign and return the Vaccine Administration Record to the School Nurse (leave insurance information blank if you do not have insurance)
We expect most children will be able to receive the vaccine on their own at school with minimal distress. However, if a parent would like to be present when their child is vaccinated, arrangements can be made for the parent to attend the clinic with the child. Contact your school nurse ([email protected]) to make arrangements. If you feel your child may not be able to handle receiving the vaccine at school, contact your child’s pediatrician.
We expect the vaccination clinics to start in December. We will begin vaccinating elementary school students first. Dates will be announced soon and will depend on vaccine availability. The clinic date at your child’s school will be announced at school, on the website, and via Connect-Ed before the clinic.
We understand some children may receive the vaccine elsewhere after forms are returned, but before the school clinic date. If this happens, contact your school nurse to remove your child from the clinic list.
Frequently asked questions about the vaccine are posted online with the forms.
Additional questions should be directed to your School Nurse or to the health department at 617-796-1420.
