Medication

Prescribed and/or over-the-counter (OTC) medication is administered in the school setting only upon receipt of a completed School Medication Prescriber/Parent Authorization Form. This form is available in the office of the school nurse at each school. A student’s medication will be administered only by that student’s parent/guardian, the licensed nurse, or the trained Medication Assistant delegated the responsibility to assist the licensed nurse with student medications. The parent or guardian must bring all medication to the school nurse. No student is to have in his/her possession any medication (this includes cough drops, medicated lip balm, herbal remedies, or anything else that contains a type of medicine) except for asthma inhalers or asthma aerosol treatments and Epi Pens as prescribed by a physician.

All prescribed medication must be delivered to the school in a current pharmacy labeled prescription container. If the dosage changes, an updated Prescriber/Parent Authorization form is required.  All OTC medications must be delivered to the school in the original unopened, sealed container and identified with the student’s name written in permanent ink.

The first dose of a new medication or change in dosage (increase or decrease of current medication) should be given at home with the exception of emergency medication such as Epi Pen injections.

A Prescriber/Parent Authorization form must be completed for OTC medication. OTC medication may not be kept for more than 2 weeks without authorization from a licensed healthcare provider.

Any student in possession of medication who gives away, sells, or attempts to give away or sell medication (prescribed or OTC) may be subject to suspension, probation, or expulsion. Students’ medication will not be stored in the school building after the close of the school year. The student’s parent or guardian must pick up any unused medication. Therefore, any student’s medication not picked up by the close of the school year will be properly destroyed.

These guidelines are put in place for the safety of the students. Questions should be directed to the school nurse.

 Immunization Policy

All students enrolling in the Fort Payne City School System must show proof of immunization in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the State of Alabama Department of Public Health.  A State of Alabama Certificate of Immunization (blue slip) must be provided to the school upon registration.

A minimum of four Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis Vaccines (DTP) are required. A minimum of three Polio Vaccines are required if the third dose is given after the age of four years.  The Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine should be administered to children aged 12 to 15 months, and the second dose is required for children aged 4–6 years of age. The Varicella Vaccine is administered to children aged 12 to 15 months. The second dose is required for children aged 4–6 years of age, unless there is a documented case of Chicken Pox on the certificate of immunization (blue slip).

Head Lice Policy

Once a student is known to have head lice, the parent will be notified. If nits/eggs are ¼" or less from the scalp, or if live bugs are found, the student will be sent home. The student cannot attend school until after he/she has been treated with a lice killing product. The student who is given proper treatment is permitted to return to school the next day. No more than a three-day absence will be considered excused. A student cannot ride a school bus or attend class until he/she has been cleared to return to school by school personnel. Therefore, the student must be brought to the school office before he/she may return to class. 

Meningitis Information

What is meningococcal disease?
Meningococcal disease is a serious illness, caused by bacteria. It is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2-18 years old in the United States.
 

How do you catch the disease?
The bacteria that causes meningococcal diseases is very common. The disease is most common in children and people with certain medical conditions that affect their immune system. College freshman living in dormitories also have increased risk of getting the disease. The disease is spread through exchange of respiratory droplets or saliva with an infected person including kissing, coughing, sneezing, and sharing drinking glasses and eating utensils. In a few people, the bacteria overcome the body’s immune system and pass through the lining of the nose and throat into the blood stream where they cause meningitis. Meningitis is a term that describes inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. 
What are the symptoms of the disease?
·         Fever
·         Headache
·         Stiff Neck
·         Red Rash
·         Drowsiness
·         Nausea and Vomiting
 
Meningococcal vaccine: Who should get the vaccine and when?
MCV4, or the meningococcal vaccine, is recommended for all children 11-12 years of age and for unvaccinated adolescents at high school entry (15 years of age). High school seniors should also consider obtaining the vaccine prior to entering college, especially if they are planning on living in a dormitory. Please consult your physician or local health department for more information.