Immunization Requirements:
Per the regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Health and PA School Code (law), children may not be admitted or permitted to attend HGMICS unless written proof of the required immunizations is presented. Proof of immunizations is required upon registering/entering school.
Any child deemed not properly immunized is asked to catch up on required immunizations before the first day of the new school year. If this cannot be accomplished, a 5-day grace period is allowed once school has started in which proof of immunization or a written plan to catch up immunizations signed by a child’s doctor must be provided. After this 5-day grace period students will not be allowed to attend school until one of these are provided to the school nurse.
The following immunizations are required by all children in Grades K through 8th:
- 4 DPT, DT, or Dtap (Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus). (one
- dose on or after 4th birthday)
- 4 Polio (one on or after 4th birthday)
- 2 MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella – German Measles)
- 3 Hepatitis B
- 2 Varicella (Chickenpox) – OR– documentation of the disease or immunity
Children in the 7th grade are required to have the following additional immunizations:
- 1 Meningococcal vaccine (MCV4)
- 1 Tdap
Immunization Exemptions: Medical Exemption or Religious/Moral Exemption if applicable
Required Physical and Dental Examinations:
Under the Pennsylvania Public School Code (28 Pa. Code § 23.2), mandated physical exams are required upon a student’s original entry to school (K or 1st), as well as in grade 6. Physical examinations completed by your physician must be submitted within the first 60-days of the child’s start at school. School Physical Exam Forms are located below.
Students who have entered school from other states or countries or do not have a physical examination on file for those grades are also required to have a physical exam.
A current dental exam is required for all children upon original entry into school (K or 1st), 3rd grade, and 7th grade. It is preferred that the dental exam be performed by the child’s dentist in order to maintain continuity of care. Private dental examinations reports are due by January 1st. Private Dental Health Report Forms are located below.
Health Screenings
The following health screenings are performed on a yearly basis for the specified grades:
- Physical examinations: Upon original entry into school, (K or 1st grade) and 6thgrade.
- Dental examinations: Upon original entry into school, (K or 1st grade); 3rd grade; and 7th grade.
- Height, weight, and BMI (Basal metabolic index): All grades.
- Vision screening: All grades.
- Hearing screening: Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th grades.
- Scoliosis screening: 6th and 7th grades (this requirement can be met via the physical exam completed by their PCP if turned into the school nurse each required year)
**The above health screenings are considered normal if the school nurse does not send home a referral for further follow-up
Medication:
ALL medications are given through the Medical Room. If your child(ren) requires medication at school, please provide medication along with the Medication Authorization Form completed by a physician.
Asthma: Provide Emergency Administration of Asthma Inhaler/Self-Carry Form AND Asthma Action Plan completed by a physician along with asthma medication to the medical office.
Allergy: Provide Emergency Administration of Epinephrine Via Epi-Pen Form AND F.A.R.E Care Plan completed by a physician along with emergency medication.
Seizure: Provide Seizure Action Plan completed by physician along with emergency medication. (Forms located below)
Diabetes: Provide Diabetes Emergency Action Plan completed by physician along with any emergency medication.
Medical Office Forms:
Emergency Administration of Asthma Inhaler/Self-Carry Form
Emergency Administration of Epinephrine Via Epi-Pen Form