Louie Traub/VIEWTwo-year-old Emmanuel Martinez lets out a cry, despite being held by his mother, Maria, as Ella Duhaime administers a shot into his arm at the Southern Nevada Health District.
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It's almost that time again. Before the kids head off to school, here's a list of things to do to make sure they are in tip-top shape for handling their academic tasks.
First, make sure all children are up to date on their latest immunizations. The Clark County School District requires all children enrolling in public or private schools to have the chickenpox, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, polio, diptheria, tetanus and pertussis; and measles, mumps and rubella vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that school-age children receive two doses of the chickenpox vaccine.
The Southern Nevada Health District offers immunizations on Monday through Friday at its five public health centers, although the Spring Valley location requires an appointment for all services. The Spring Valley center is located at 6330 W. Spring Mountain Road and can be contacted by calling 759-0701.
The district's location at 625 Shadow Lane will host immunization clinics between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m on Saturday and Aug. 18 and 25. Sports physicals also will be available during those times, for a $25 fee.
"Immunizations are available here at the health district all year long," said Stephanie Bethel, spokeswoman for the district.
Parents need to bring immunization records for each child, and those without any will have to begin the vaccination process from the beginning. One immunization costs $16 per person, or $20 for more than one immunization, although some vaccines may cost more. For more information on immunizations, call 759-0580 or visit www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org.
According to Diana Taylor, registered nurse and director of health services for CCSD, a very important thing for parents to remember this coming school year is to supply your child's school with the proper emergency contact information. Taylor said many parents do not supply the correct information to schools, which could lead to a major problem if a child becomes ill or needs special attention during the school day.
In addition, any special medical needs should be communicated to the school's health office, including specific dietary requirements, medications or more severe health issues, like tube feeding.
"If there are health issues, if it's something significant, we ask for the parents to call us," Taylor said.
Also, schools need a licensed health-care provider's orders if medical treatments are to be administered during school hours, including tracheostomy care, medications or tube feeding.
The school district conducts vision and hearing screenings for select grades, including kindergarten, fourth, seventh and 10th. Any child that may need a screening, however, can receive one from their school's health office if a parent requests the exam. Taylor said maintaining proper communication with a school's health office is very important, and parents should keep that in mind as the new school year is looming near.
For more information, contact your child's school health office or the Clark County School District.
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