Iroquois Health Office 

New immunization requirements for school entry effective September 18, 2007.

Students who are entering 6th grade or a comparable age-level special education school or program on or after September 1, 2007 and who are 11 years of age or older must receive an immunization containing tetanus toxoids, diphtheria, an acellular pertussis (Tdap). If a student has received a Td, DT, or DTaP vaccination within the last two years, the student's Tdap vaccination should be deferred (with rare exceptions) until a period to two years has elapsed. Ten-year old students who are entering 6th grade will not be required to receive a Tdap vaccine and will not be excluded from school, but they must be flagged, tracked and immunized when they turn 11 years old.

Interval between Td, or DTaP, and Tdap:  The New York State Department of Health recommends that students who were born on or after January 1, 1994, and are entering, repeating or transferring into the 6th grade on or after September 1, 2007, and have received a tetanus/diphtheria vaccine, Td, DT, or DTaP, within two years prior to this date should not (with rare exceptions) receive the booster immunization until a period of two years has elapsed. It is required that those children who are not eligible on this basis be flagged, tracked, and immunized at the appropriate time.

Children who will be 10 years old when entering 6th grade:  There are two Tdap vaccines available, Sanofi Pasteur's Adacel which is licensed for persons aged 11 to 65 years and GlaxoSmithKline's Boostrix, which is licensed for persons aged 10 to 18 years.  There are two options available regarding 10-year-old children who entering 6th grade: (1) vaccinate those children using Boostrix, or (2) delay vaccination until those children are 11 years old. Children whose vaccination with Tdap has been delayed will be considered "in process" for receiving the required immunization.  They will not be excluded from school, but they will be flagged and tracked.  It is required that they receive the immunization once they turn 11 years old.

New York State has issued a NEW immunization requirement for students born on or after 1/1/94 entering (repeating or transferring into 6th grade and students in grade-less classes born on or after 1/1/94 and age equivalent to the 6th grade). These students must have documentation from a physician or health department of immunization for chicken pox (Varicella). Two doses of varicella vaccine are recommended for students who receive the first does on or after their 13th birthday. Diagnosis by a physician that a child has had varicella disease is acceptable proof of immunity in lieu of immunization.  Immunization for Meningitis is recommended but not required for all adolescents beginning at 11 years of age.

Medication during school hours: If a child must receive medications during school hours, New York State law requires that the school nurse must have a written order from the Physician stating Name, Dosage, Time and the prescribed medication is to be given. A new prescription order and parental consent is required annually for every medication including over the counter meds. This regulation also applies to epi-pens and inhalers. To obtain a medication release form, click Medication release form. All medication must be in its original container.

Students with special medical needs:  Students with special medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, food allergies, etc, must provide information, physician's orders and medical supplies to the Iroquois nurse by the first day of school.  Please plan to meet with the nurse to discuss plans for safety on school field trips.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SEVENTH GRADE STUDENTS

New York State Education Law requires that all new entrants and children in grade seven must be examined by a private New York State physician or by the school physician. The physical examination must be performed not more than twelve months prior to the commencement of the school year and it shall state whether the student is in a fit condition of health to permit attendance at the public schools.  A copy of the examination must be kept on file in the school Health Office. If the health certificate is not provided from the private physician, the examination will be made by the school physician.

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENT

All documentation must be from a physician’s office or State Health Department.  Exact dates must be specified and the physician must indicate whether it is a series of two or a series of three Hepatitis B injections.  Your child may receive the Hepatitis B vaccine at the Schenectady County Health Department, 600 Franklin St., at a ten dollar ($10)) fee per injection.  You may call 346-2187 to schedule an appointment.  Directions:  drive west on Rosendale Rd.; turn right onto Union St.; turn left onto Lafayette St.; turn left onto Franklin St. If you have any questions regarding these requirements, you may call the Iroquois School Nurse at 377-2019.

Health Policies...Please review these health policies.
 

Seventh Grade Physical...Medical Inspection Form
   

Sports Participation: It is the student's responsibility to submit the following forms to the school nurse two weeks prior to the beginning of the seasons.

1.  Niskayuna Schools Athletic Card (Grey)...both sides must be completed and signed by parent and student
2.  Sports Physical Form...completed within one year and on file in the Iroquois Middle School Health Office
3.  Interim Health Information For Physical Education and Athletics Form (Green)
4.  Selection/Classification Form (Developmental Screening Form)...needed only when you are a middle school student playing high school sports and available only from the nurse; must be signed by a physician

REMINDER:  A new grey card is needed for each sport each year.