Parent Health Information

A Parent's Guide to North Andover's School Health Program

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

School Immunization Law, Chapter 76, Section 15 of the General Laws of the State of Massachusetts requires that all immunizations must be up to date for children to attend school according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations. Massachusetts General Law allows for the school district to exclude children from school whose immunizations are not up to date. 
  • A certified record of immunizations from your child’s physician(s) is required for entry into school.
  • All immunization records must be provided in English and include full dates. 
Immunizations are audited by the school nurses. In the event of missing or incorrect information, your prompt attention in addressing the error/omission is imperative to assure compliance with state law. The current state requirements can be found here: Massachusetts School Immunization Requirements 2019-2020 

Preschool Entry Requirements:
  • Hib: 1-4 doses; the number of doses is determined by vaccine product and age the series began
  • DTaP: 4 doses
  • Polio: 3 doses
  • Hepatitis B: 3 doses; laboratory evidence of immunity acceptable
  • MMR: 1 dose; must be given on or after the 1st birthday; laboratory evidence of immunity acceptable
  • Varicella: 1 dose; must be given on or after the 1st birthday; a physician documented case of chickenpox or laboratory evidence of immunity acceptable
Kindergarten-Grade 6 Entry Requirements:
  • DTaP: 5 doses; 4 doses acceptable if the 4th dose is given on or after the 4th birthday. DT is only acceptable with a letter stating medical contraindication to DTaP
  • Polio: 4 doses; 4th dose must be given on or after the 4th birthday and ≥ 6 months after the previous dose, or a 5th dose is required. 3 doses are acceptable if the 3rd dose is given on or after the 4th birthday and ≥ 6 months after the previous dose.
  • Hepatitis B: 3 doses; laboratory evidence of immunity acceptable
  • MMR: 2 doses; first dose must be given on or after the 1st birthday and the 2nd dose must be given ≥ 28 days after previous dose; laboratory evidence of immunity accepted.
  • Varicella: 2 doses; first dose must be given on or after the 1st birthday and the 2nd dose must be given ≥ 28 days after previous dose; a physician documented case of chickenpox or laboratory evidence of immunity acceptable
Grade 7-12 Entry Requirements:
  • Tdap: 1 dose and a history of DTaP primary series or age-appropriate catch-up vaccination.
  • Polio: 4 doses; 4th dose must be given on or after the 4th birthday and ≥ 6 months after the previous dose, or a 5th dose is required. 3 doses are acceptable if the 3rd dose is given on or after the 4th birthday and ≥ 6 months after the previous dose.
  • Hepatitis B: 3 doses; laboratory evidence of immunity acceptable
  • MMR: 2 doses; first dose must be given on or after the 1st birthday and the 2nd dose must be given ≥ 28 days after previous dose; laboratory evidence of immunity accepted.
  • Varicella: 2 doses; first dose must be given on or after the 1st birthday and the 2nd dose must be given ≥ 28 days after previous dose; a physician documented case of chickenpox or laboratory evidence of immunity acceptable


LAB TEST REQUIREMENTS

Lead Test
  • The first test must be done between the ages of 9 and 12 months. Children must be tested again at ages 2 and 3.
  • If you live in a high risk neighborhood, your child must also be tested at age 4. Click here to see the most recent high risk community list.
  • Every child must have a lead test before they begin daycare, Kindergarten, or preschool.
Tuberculosis Risk
  • Each school-aged child in a Massachusetts public or private school should have a TB Risk Assessment completed and documented on the school health form. 


PHYSICAL EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS

School Entrance: A physical exam within 1 year is required. 

Updated Physical Exams: One updated physical is required during middle school (Suggested in 6th grade as students entering grade 7 are required to receive a Tetanus booster) and one during high school (suggested in 10th grade). The Emergency Health Card gives us updated information each year regarding your child’s health.

Athletic Examinations: A documented physical examination is required for all students annually prior to participation in sports at the high school level.


ILLNESSES

In order to provide the healthiest school environment possible, please do not send your child to school when symptoms of illness are present. When should you keep your child home from school? Please see the Reasons for Dismissal/Exclusion

Please notify the school nurse if your child contracts any communicable diseases, including but not limited to: chicken pox, conjunctivitis, Fifth's disease, gastroenteritis, influenza, impetigo, measles, mononucleosis, mumps, scabies, scarlet fever, strep throat and whooping cough.

Post-Illness School Attendance Guidelines

Children must be fever free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school.

According to school policy, if a child is being treated for a contagious illness or condition such as strep throat or impetigo, they must complete a full 24 hours of antibiotics before returning to school. In the case of chicken pox all lesions must be scabbed over (5-7 days) before the child can return to school.

Head Lice: Children must be treated and checked by the school nurse before returning to school. Prevention is the key to controlling this pesky problem. Please inspect your child's hair frequently and call the school nurse if you have any questions.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to call the school nurse anytime they have questions or concerns especially for the following reasons:
  • A new medical diagnosis, or change in your child’s health status
  • A newly prescribed medication
  • A change in current medication
  • A serious injury, illness, or hospitalization
  • A fracture, sprain, stitches, or a cast
  • A contagious disease such as chicken pox, flu, strep throat, whooping cough, or conjunctivitis
  • If your child is absent for an extended period of time
  • If there are any recent changes in your family that may affect your child, such as a birth, recent loss, or sudden illness.