Health

Immunizations

A student must be fully immunized against certain diseases or must present a certificate or statement that, for medical reasons or reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, the student will not be immunized. For exemptions based on reasons of conscience, only official forms issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services, Immunization Branch, can be honored by the District. The form must be notarized and submitted to the District within 90 days of notarization. Further information is described in the Student Handbook, as well as the following documents:

• Immunization Requirements
• Exemption Information
• Important Information for 7th Graders
• Important Information About Measles

Student Illness

*See the COVID-19 Plan for full requirements related to the recent pandemic.

It is important to remember that schools are required to exclude students with certain illnesses from school for periods of time as identified in state rules. For example, if your child has a fever over 100 degrees, he/she must stay out of school until fever free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications. A full list of conditions for which the school must exclude children can be obtained from the District Nurse. Please review the Student Handbook for additional information pertaining to student illness. To help prevent the spread of illness, we suggest reviewing the following health tips/guidelines:

• COVID-19 Plan
  • Educational Rights & Responsibilities During COVID-19 (Spanish)
• Cover Your Cough
• The Flu: A Guide For Parents
• Stop Germs! Stay Healthy!

Medication Policy

No medication will be administered in school or during school-sponsored activities without the parent’s/guardian’s written authorization and a written physician order. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

Medication Authorization Form

Head Lice

Although not an illness or a disease, head lice is very common among children and is spread easily through head-to-head contact during play, sports, and when children share things like hair brushes, hats, and headphones. If careful observation indicates that a student has head lice, the school nurse will contact the student’s parent to determine whether the child needs to be picked up from school. The nurse can offer recommendations with regard to FDA approved treatments and how best to prevent their return. More information on head lice can be found in the Student Handbook, and from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Bacterial Meningitis

Senate Bill 31, passed by the 77th Texas legislature (2001), requires school districts to provide the following information to all students and their parents/legal guardians in the District. Further information can also be found in the Student Handbook.

• Bacterial Meningitis Information (Spanish)

Wellness Policy

The district’s Design Team consists of parents, community members, school district personnel and other stakeholders who review and provide input/recommendations concerning certain policies.  The Wellness Policy is overseen by the Design Team and reviewed each year.  The most current policy is included below:

• Wellness Plan

Contact:

Cori Mackey
UTTUA District Nurse
cmackey@uttyler.edu