Health Requirements

IMMUNIZATIONS REQUIRED FOR SCHOOL ENTRANCE

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
 
FOR THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR THERE HAVE BEEN CHANGES TO THE IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHOOL ENTRY IN NEW YORK STATE. PLEASE REFER TO THE NYS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH LINK BELOW TO MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD WILL BE IN COMPLIANCE.

Immunization Requirements 
 

According to New York State Public Health Law, Section 2164,  these are minimum immunizations necessary to enter Onondaga Central School. Please report any subsequent immunizations to the school health office in order to keep your child’s records up to date.                                    

Serologic evidence is acceptable as proof of immunity to: MMR, Hep B, Varicella and Polio (polio antibodies must include all 3 serotypes)

 
HEALTH EXAMINATIONS:
 

The New York State Education Department requires that a health certificate (or physical) shall be furnished by each pupil in the public schools upon his/her entrance in such schools and by each child entering the Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th, 9th and 11th grades, thereof.  The physical exam is valid for 12 months. These health exams forms must be sumitted to the health office within 30 days of entry to school.  If a statement from your physician has not been received within 30 days of entrance into school, it will be assumed that you wish your child to be examined by the school physician.

                                                

DENTAL EXAMINATIONS:  

As part of your child's requirements for school, a law was recently enacted that expands health screening to include the dental health of students in New York State.

After September 1, 2008, when we require that your child have a physical examination, (Pre-K, Kindergarten, Grades 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11), we will be requesting a dental certificate as well. There is a sample certificate available for you to take to your child's dentist and once it is completed, it should be returned to the School Nurse as it will be filed in your child's Cumulative Health Record.

Thank you for your cooperation in this new health endeavor. If you have any questions or need a dental referral, check the Fifth District Dental Society for Onondaga County or call me at 315-552-5052. 
 
LIFE-THREATENING HEALTH CONDITION:

Life-threatening health condition: A condition, including a known allergy, that will put the child in danger of death during the school day if a medication or treatment order is not  in place (for example food or substance allergy, insect sting allergy, asthma, diabetes, seizure disorder, etc.)

If your child has a life-threatening health condition, please contact the School Health Office/School office for a “Life-threatening Health Condition Packet” .

Body Mass Index (BMI)

As part of a health examination, a student is weighed and his/her height is measured.  These numbers are used to calculate the student's body mass index or 'BMI", which varies by age and gender.  BMI is a screening tool for classifying weight status in both children and adults. It is helpful to the physician in identifying a possible weight problem. 

It is required by New York State Education Law that BMI and weight status category be included as part of the required school health examination. This BMI data is sent to the New York State Department of Health to help health officials develop programs that make it easier for children to be healthier. Only summary information is sent. This means that no names or information about individual students will be included.

If you do not wish to have your child's BMI/weight status category included in this survey report, please submit your intent in writing to the school nurse at Wheeler School. A BMI opt-out form is available for download at the Health Forms portion of this website

For more information about BMI go to the Center for Disease Control and  Prevention website

Medication Proceedures

If it is necessary for your child to receive medication during school hours, the following procedure must be followed:

1. A written order from the physician.  This is necessary for prescription and over the counter medications.  The order should include the following information: 

• Student name and date of birth
• Name of medication
• Dose and route of administration
• Frequency and time of administration
• For prn (as needed) medications, the condition under which it should be given
• Prescriber's name, title, signature and date
• The duration of time the medication shall be given                   

2. A written statement from the parent requesting administration of the medication as ordered by the physician.

3. The medication must be in a properly labeled original pharmacy container.  The parent or guardian must assume responsibility to have the medication delivered directly to the Health Office.  All over the counter medications must be in the original manufacturer's container/package with the student's name affixed to it.

4. Medications are kept in the Health Office and are stored in a locked cabinet.  Students are not allowed to carry any medication in school. *(See exception below) This includes all prescription and over the counter medication.

* Under certain conditions a student may carry and self-administer his/her own medication (i.e. an inhaler for asthma) If this is a consideration, contact the school nurse for information.  Additional documentation is necessary from the physician and the parent in this instance.

If you have any questions regarding the medication procedure, please call the Wheeler Health office at 315-552-5052. Medication forms are available for download under Health Forms on this website.