From the Nurse:
Reminders about COVID:
· If you need testing for COVID, please ask for a PCR test even though results can take up to 48 hours to receive. Per the board of health, rapid antigen tests are less sensitive tests and would need a PCR test to confirm the rapid antigen test result, regardless if it is positive or negative. To find a COVID test site, contact your PCP or go to this website https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-testing
· Last week’s state coronavirus data indicates that the most common source of COVID-19 clusters in MA is households. If someone in your household has COVID-like symptoms, please take precautions even in the home including:
- having the sick individual get tested and self-isolate immediately in the home whenever feasible
- everyone should wear masks within shared spaces in the household
- wash hands frequently
- avoid sharing utensils
- regularly clean and disinfect surfaces
Mental Health Resource for Children ages 6-12:
Recognizing the impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on children’s mental health, the Office of the Child Advocate joined forces with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Department of Mental Health to launch HandholdMA.org, a new family-friendly website for parents and guardians of school-aged children who are concerned about their child’s mental health.
HandholdMA.org provides families with tips, tools, and resources designed to help them navigate their child’s mental health journey with confidence. The content, which is targeted to families with kids ages 6-12 years, was developed by a team of mental health and child development experts as well as family and community partners. A creative team from IDEO Cambridge designed the user experience and branding.
The content on HandholdMA.org is organized in three main sections:
· Should I worry? This section helps parents/guardians explore if their child is just being a kid or if their behavior is something to worry about. Families can learn about signs to look for and get suggestions on what to do next.
· What can I do? These are tips, tools, and strategies that have worked for other families in the past and are things they can learn about or do from home.
· Who can help? The final section includes carefully selected community organizations and government resources to help families find the right mental health services.
HandholdMA.org was developed with input from individuals representing the diversity of Massachusetts’ communities, and is available in six languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Haitian Creole, and Vietnamese.
New Immunization Guidance for School year 2020-21
Flu- The flu vaccine is required by the state for all students by December 31, 2020, regardless of which learning plan they are participating in. Please submit proof of this to the school nurse - a big thank you to those who have turned these in. Flu shots are available at the doctor offices, some CVS and Walgreen locations, and most Urgent Care centers. Should you need a medical or religious exemption form, please reach out to the school nurse.
Meningococcal Vaccine- At the start of the 2020-2021 school year, school nurses will need to obtain an immunization record for the meningococcal conjugate vaccine for students entering the 7th and 11th grade, unless a religious or medical exemption applies. Should you need a medical or religious exemption form, please reach out to the school nurse.The immunization record will need to demonstrate:
7th grade entry: 1 dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY or MCV4) for all students.
10th or 11th grade entry: 1 booster dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Men ACWY or MCV4) received on or after 16 years of age. (One or more doses of MenACWY vaccine are acceptable as long as one dose was received on or after 16 years of age.)
Holiday Helpers Applications due November 10:
Holiday Helpers is an assistance program through Littleton Park & Rec and applications were mailed to qualifying families last month. These applications must be completed and returned to Littleton Park & Rec by November 10. If you intend to apply for the Holiday Helpers assistance program to please also email Alica Day directly : aday@littletonma.org
Christine Porell, RN, BSN, NCSN
#she/her/hers
Health Office
Littleton High School
978-952-2555, ext 4500