Our Lady of Hope Catholic School has a fulltime Registered Nurse, Anne Ezenwa, RN BSN. The school Clinic is located on the first floor in the main office next to the Principal’s office. Mrs. Ezenwa can be reached at 703-433-6760 ext. 103.
Current Information on Common Medical Condition
Here you will find some basic information on common medical conditions that children experience. From the common cold, to chicken pox, to Scarlet Fever, you will find helpful information here.
Health Requirements for All Newly Enrolling Students
All students accepted for admission to Our Lady of Hope School must meet the following health requirements set forth by the Diocese of Arlington and the Commonwealth of Virginia. These requirements must be met prior to the first day of school.
- A physical examination by the child's physician performed within 12 months of the start of school.
- Completed Commonwealth of Virginia School Entrance Health Form. This form is completed by the parent and physician and documents the most recent physical examination and the child's immunizations.
- The physical examination must include the Required Screening Tests in Part II of the Health Form. These screenings include anemia, urine, vision and hearing screens. Forms submitted without documentation of screening tests will be returned to the parent for completion prior to the start of school.
Minimum Immunization Requirements for Entry into School and Day Care:
(requirements are subject to change)
- 3 DTP or DTaP – at least one dose of DTaP or DTP after 4th birthday unless received 6 doses before 4th birthday
- Tdap – booster required for entry into 6th grade if at least 5 years since last tetanus-containing vaccine
- 3 Polio – at least one dose after 4th birthday unless received 4 doses of all OPV or all IPV prior to 4th birthday
- Hib – 2-3 doses in infancy; 1 booster between 12-15 months; 1 dose between 15-60 months if unvaccinated, for children up to 60 months of age only
- Pneumococcal – 2-4 doses, depending on age at 1st dose for children up to 2 years of age only
- 2 Measles – 1st dose on/after 12 months of age; 2nd dose prior to entering kindergarten
- 1 Mumps – on/after 12 months of age
- 1 Rubella - on/after 12 months of age
Note: Measles, Mumps, Rubella requirements also met with 2 MMR – 1st dose on/after 12 months of age; 2nd dose prior to entering kindergarten
- Hep B – 3 doses required (2 doses if Merck adult formulation given between 11 – 15 years of age; check the indicated box in Section I if this formulation was used)
- 1 Varicella – to susceptible children born on/after January 1, 1997; dose on/after 12 months of age
Tdap Vaccine for rising 6th graders
- 2007-2008 Tdap vaccine will be required for school entry, NO GRACE PERIODS OR EXTENSIONS WILL BE GIVEN
- If no Tdap vaccination, 6th grade child may not attend the first day of school
- Boostrix vaccine is for 10 year olds and Adacel for 11year olds
- If the doctor wishes to defer Adacel Tdap vaccine until the student turns 11, which is after the start of 6th grade, then the doctor must have medical exemption noted on the health form. Parents must follow up and make sure the student gets the vaccine at the appropriate age
- If a student had Td vaccine within the last 5 years, the student does not need Tdap vaccine for grade 6 entry
Other Vaccine Changes
- In 2007- 2008 the Virginia department of Education and Health “recommend” that the 2nd Varicella and the 2nd Mumps vaccines be given before kindergarten entry; there is an extra space on the immunization form for this
- By the 2008-2009 school year the above will be become required for kindergarten entry
For current requirements consult the Virginia Department of Health
Division of Immunization web site.
Medication Procedures
If your child requires medication, either prescription or over-the-counter, during the school day please contact the school nurse to obtain the necessary school Medication Forms. Physician orders and parent/guardian signed authorization are required for most medication given at school and must be on file with the school nurse before medication can be accepted or administered. Medication must be kept in the school clinic or other school approved location during the school day.
Medication must always be transported to and from school by a parent or guardian. Students must never bring medication into school due to the safety risk this poses for all students.
All prescription medications must be in their original containers with the pharmacy label on the container. The physician's medication order and pharmacy label must match in relation to the child's name, dose and frequency the medication is to be administered. This includes inhalers used for asthma. All over-the-counter (OTC) medications must be in the original container with the name of the medication visible. Parents should label any OTC medication with the student's name, exact dose to be administered and the frequency or time interval to be given. The first dose of any new medication must be given at home.
Parent Responsibilities
You can do a lot to assist your child in staying health and in promoting a healthy school environment. Here are just a few important guidelines to follow:
- Help your child develop good health habits: balanced meals, good nights sleep, hand washing before meals and after using the toilet, always eating breakfast before school, dress appropriately for the weather.
- Notify school of any medical conditions, such as communicable diseases, head lice, impetigo, ringworm, etc.
- Assess your child's health each morning. Do not give your child medication and send him/her off to school if you suspect a fever or for significant cold symptoms.
- Keep your child home until their fever is normal for 24 hours WITHOUT the use of medication.
- Update emergency care forms whenever there is a change in your home, work or cell phone numbers - including numbers of your emergency contacts. Remember, the emergency contacts you give the school should be able to pick up your child if you are unable to come or be reached within a reasonable time frame.
