Public Health Question of the Month

Presented By
Monmouth County Regional Health Commission No. 1

August 21 2018

 How is the local health department involved in my child’s school?

Answer:

 The local health department is involved in several ways throughout the year as explained below:

1) Annual audits of student vaccine records from daycare/preschool through High School are performed to insure compliance with NJ State and CDC requirements. Depending on the grade level 90-95% compliancy is required. This works to keep as many children as possible protected from illness or disease outbreaks.

2) Some health departments such as Monmouth County Regional Health Commission No. 1 can provide vaccination as a participating site through the NJ State Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. The eligibility requirements are directed toward the uninsured/underinsured population. Vaccine information statements can be distributed in several languages. In addition, there are other vaccines that may be provided to privately insured individuals and possibly reimbursed by their health care coverage provider (ex. Flu and Hepatitis B). Our Public Health Nurse may hold vaccine clinics at a school facility should the need arise.

3) The health department takes reports and under state guidance investigates any communicable disease possible and confirmed cases that are reported, by a school or a physician’s office on a 24/7 basis. Assistance is given to the school management on proper protocols/information disbursement at times when precautionary information is necessary. The ultimate goal of all involved is to break and stop the chain of infection.

4) School cafeterias /snack stands are also inspected either annually or biannually for compliance with the NJ State Food Handlers’ Chapter 24 Code. A Satisfactory rating must be achieved at the time of the inspection, otherwise follow-up inspections will occur until it is reached. As in other retail food establishments open to the public, this works to greatly diminish any unsanitary food premises , unsanitary food handling and ultimately the chance of any food-borne illness occurrences. Our Registered Environmental Health Specialist staff can provide guidance and education to expedite whatever improvements are called for.

5) If a school facility housed a swimming pool, weekly water tests would be reviewed and inspections would be performed in line with NJ Chapter IX Public Recreational Bathing Code, N.J.A.C. 8:26.

6) A general resource for school nurses on an “as needed” basis regarding other health topics (ex. MRSA, Lice).