Conditional and Exemption forms for immunizations can be found on the District Nurseās site.
Flu season is here. Are you prepared? Maybe you have never had influenza so youāre willing to risk it. Please reconsider! Click on the links above for the most up-to-date information from the CDC and DPHHS on influenza. Getting your yearly flu shot is easier than you may think.
For additional health information, conditional and exemption forms for immunizations please visit the District Nurseās site.
Helena Public Schools
New Law Changes Student Immunization Requirements
Notice of Immunizations Needed: 2015 School Law Update
The 2015 Montana Legislature revised school immunization requirements for school attendance through the passage of House Bill (HB) 158. The law, signed by the governor and effective October 1, 2015 requires students attending school be vaccinated against varicella disease (chickenpox) and receive a booster of pertussis vaccine at 7th grade.
Please submit immunization documentation at the start of the school year to the School Nurse at your childās school.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Re: Head Lice Education
Dear Parent or Guardian:
Welcome back! I am looking forward to a productive and enriching new school year.
As you may know, head lice cases have been on the rise. An estimated 6 to 12 million infestations occur each year in the United States, most commonly among children ages 3 to 11. So, I am writing to you to help you learn how to identify lice and provide information on what you can do if lice hit your home.
What are head lice?
Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that live close to the human scalp. They feed on blood. The eggs, also called nits, are tiny, tear-drop shaped eggs that attach to the hair shaft. Nits often appear yellowish or white, and can look like dandruff but cannot be removed or brushed off. The nymph, or baby louse, is smaller and grows to adult size in one to two weeks. The adult louse is the size of a sesame seed and appears tan to grayish-white. An itchy and inflamed scalp is a common symptom of lice. Although not common, persistent scratching may lead to skin irritation and even infection.1
Who is affected by head lice?
Head lice are not related to cleanliness. , In fact, head lice often infest people with good hygiene and grooming habits.2 Infestations can occur at home, school or in the community. Head lice are mostly spread by direct head-to-head contactāfor example, during play at home or school, slumber parties, sports activities, or camp. Less often, lice are spread via objects that have been in recent contact with a person with head lice, such as hats, scarves, hair ribbons, combs, brushes, stuffed animals or bedding.1,3
What to do if an infestation occurs?
If you think your child has head lice, itās important to talk to a healthcare provider to discuss the best treatment approach for your family. Resistance to some over-the-counter head lice treatments has been reported, but the prevalence of resistance is not known. , There are new prescription treatment options available that are safe and do not require nit combing.
As your school nurse, I want to provide you with the information you need to safeguard your childrenās health, and pave the way for a healthy school year. I hope you find this information useful.
Sincerely,
School Nurse