Bureau of Nursing (School Health)

 
Copy of Immunization Records (New Haven only)   203-946-8167
 
Mission
The mission of the New Haven Heath Department Bureau of Nursing is to ensure an optimal level of wellness for a culturally diverse urban community by promoting and encouraging a healthy lifestyle for its citizenry. The Bureau of Nursing provides professional expertise so that schools and community health needs are identified, assessed and monitored with emphasis on safety and the prevention of disease. This is accomplished through the delivery of health services, education and counseling in collaboration with other city departments, community agencies and resources.

School Health Program
The primary focus of school health is wellness, with the emphasis on preventive service and health promotion activities. The New Haven Department of Health Bureau of Nursing is delegated the responsibility for maintaining school nursing services by the Board of Education. The major elements of the school health program are mandated by the CT Education Laws e.g., PA 80--440, An Act Concerning School Health, and P.A. 94-142, Education of All Handicapped Children Act., etc. The Bureau of Nursing provides health services to approximately 22,000 students in grades Pre-K through Grade 12 in both the public and non-public schools.

Role of the School Nurse
The school nurse ensures that students are healthy enough to learn and minimizes the time lost in school due to illness or other prolonged disability. This is accomplished through proper assessment, referral and follow-up care, as well as appropriate communication with the student's health care provider. Oftentimes the school nurse is the only consistent health professional the student sees allowing the nurse to advocate for students and helping them develop a healthy lifestyle.

Specific duties of the School Nurse include:

Prevention Activities

• Health screenings, referral and follow-up for: age appropriate physicals, immunizations, vision, hearing, blood pressure, hemoglobin, posture
• Health counseling and guidance
• Communicable disease control
• Assessment, emergency care, referral and follow-up for illness and injuries at school
• Counseling student's parents/guardians as appropriate

Case Management Activities

• Maintaining cumulative health record on each student
• Administering prescribed medications
• Providing specialized physical health care
• Monitoring chronic illnesses with appropriate care as directed
• Participating in PPT, IEP, and Mental Health Conferences

Health Promotion Activities

• Encourages universal precautions in school environment
• Monitoring of nuisance diseases such as head lice, ringworm, scabies, etc.
• Health education/resource for students, families and teachers
• Liaison between the school, student, family and community health providers

 
Physical Assessment Requirements
Please be aware that your child will not be allowed to attend school if the following requirements are not met.  Please call the Health Department, Bureau of Nursing at 203-946-8167.
 
Pre-Kindergarten-The findings of an up to date physical exam must be entered on a State of Connecticut Early Childhood Health Asssessment Record (yellow ED 191)
 
Kindergarten-The findings of an up to date physical exam must be entered on a State of Connecticut Health Assessment form (blue HAR3) or yellow (Ed 191) and dated within one year of the student's entry in September.
 
Grade 7, 10, and New Enterers to any other grade- Need current school year physical.
 
Immunization Requirements
Students (pre-k, kindergarten, or newly entering in any other grade) shall be adequately immunized showing written proof of immunizations with month, day and year.
 
DTaP, DPT, or Td- 4 injections with the last dose on or after the 4th birthdate.
Tdap- 1 dose (booster) for students entering 7th grade 
 
Polio (OPV/IPV)-3 doses of polio with the last dose dated on or after 4th birthday
 
Measles, Mumps, Rubella-1st injection given on or after 1st birthdate (combined or individual) for Pre-K.  2nd injection (booster) Kindergarten through 12th grade entry. 
 
Varicella (chickenpox)-  1st injection given on or after first birthdate (combined or individual) for Pre-K.  2nd injection (booster) for entry to Kindergarten & 7th grade. 
A note signed by their health care provider verifying proof of immunity or prior disease is an acceptable alternative. 
 
Hemophilus Influenza (HIB)-1 injection on or after the 1st birthdate if under 5 years of age for Pre-K and Kindergarten.
 
Hepatitis B-1st injection before entering 7th grade.  3rd injection before entering 8th grade or be in the process of  completing the series.
 
Pneumococcal-All students born on or after January 1, 2007 enrolled in Pre-K and Kindergarten who are less than 5 years of age, must show proof of having received one (1) dose pneumococcal conjugate vaccine given on or after the student's first birthdate.
 
Meningococcal-All 7th grade students must show proof of having received a dose of meningococcal vaccine (11 years of age or older).
 
Hepatitis A- All students born on or after January 1, 2007 who are enrolled in Pre-K or Kindergarten must show proof of having received two (2) doses of Hepatitis A vaccine given at least 6 months apart with the first dose given on or after the student's first birthdate.
 
Influenza-Effective January 1, 2012 and each January 1 therafter, children aged 24-59 months enrolled in Pre-K are required to receive at least one (1) dose of influenza vaccine between August 1 and December 31 of the preceding year.  All children aged 24-59 months who have not received vaccination against influenza previously, should receive two (2) doses of vaccine the first influenza season they are vaccinated.
 
Medications in School
Medication cannot be given in school unless an Administration of Medication form (H-5) is filled out by your health care provider. (This includes asprin, inhalers, ointments, etc.) Medication forms are available from your school nurse or on this website under "Information Parents Can Use".
 
Special Health Needs
If your child requires specialized physical health care during school hours, see your school nurse as soon as possible. Is is also important to notify your school nurse if your child has a food allergy, diabetes, or asthma. 
 
Health Related Documents -  Below are several documents related to various health conditions or concerns.  If you feel that one of these forms should be filled out for your child, please print, complete, and return it to the school nurse at your child's school.

• Allergy Action Plan for Students Requiring Medication for Allergic Response
• Asthma Action Plan
• Authorization Form for Meds in School
• Early Chilhood Health Assessment Form (PreK)
• Health Assessment Form (K-12)
• Guidelines for Keeping a Child Home 
• Individualized Health Care Plan (For Food Allergies)
• Seizure Action Plan Questionnaire for Parents
• Seizure Action Plan (signed by physician)

 
When You Register Your Child
May-June-See the school nurse before June 11. 2011.
July and August-Call the Health Department 203-946-8167
September-See the school nurse at your child's school.