Health Office Information
The Health Office is
available to students during school hours each day. Students who feel ill may
go to the Health Office WITH THEIR PLANNER PASS. The staff member on duty will
determine the appropriate course of action. The school nurse is at Taft on a part-time
basis. The nurse works closely with parents, students, and school staff to
provide a safe and healthy school environment which promotes student attendance
and learning. Parents and guardians are welcome to call, email, or visit the
nurse in the Health Office to discuss their child's healthcare needs. The
Health Office is to only be used for verifiable health reasons.
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and
Pertussis/Whooping Cough) and Varicella Requirement
All students entering
the 7th and 8th grades will need
proof of the Tdap and Varicella booster shot before starting school. California
Immunization Law (AB 354) states that any student who does not have proof of
getting a Tdap booster shot will not be allowed to school until proof of
immunization is provided to the school.
Medications
***State law requires that the parent inform
the school if the child is receiving prescribed medication for a continuing
health problem. (Ca. Ed. Code 49480)
If medications are
required at school (long or short term), a “Physician’s Recommendation for
Medication” form is required. This form must be renewed yearly. All medications
must be in original pill container with current prescription label. Students
are not allowed to carry medication and self-administer during the school day
with the exception of inhalers (see below.) All medications must be delivered
to school by a parent or guardian, and be picked up by the last day of school
or they will be discarded.
Over-the-counter medications
Certain over-the-counter medications are
available to students who have a “Health Information Exchange Consent Form”
completed and on file in the health office. The school nurse or other trained
staff will assess the situation and provide over-the-counter medications that
are indicated on the completed form.
Asthma & the Use of Inhalers at School
Asthma can be a
serious, life-threatening. Students who use inhalers as prescribed by their
physicians should have an “Asthma Action Plan” and an inhaler brought to school
to be kept in the Health Office. It is acceptable for middle-school-aged
students to carry and self-administer their inhalers; however, ONLY with
written permission of both the physician and parent/guardian.
PE excuses for medical reasons
If a student needs to
be excused from PE for medical reasons, a parent's note will excuse the student
for up to three (3) days. A physician's note is required for longer excuses.