Immunization Requirements

The health and safety of our school community is a shared responsibility. In accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Health regulations, all students are required to be up-to-date with state-mandated immunizations prior to the start of school. These requirements help protect students and prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.

State law requires that students who do not meet immunization requirements within the first five days of school may be excluded from attendance until the necessary documentation is provided.

Required Immunizations

All students must have documentation of the following:

• 4 doses of Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis (TDap)
• (1 dose must be given on or after the 4th birthday)
• 4 doses of Polio
• (4th dose must be given on or after the 4th birthday and at least 6 months after the previous dose)
• 2 doses of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
• 3 doses of Hepatitis B
• 2 doses of Varicella (Chickenpox) or written proof of immunity from a physician
• Additional Requirements for Grades 7–12
• 1 dose of Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
• 1 dose of MCV (Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine) for entry into 7th grade
• 2nd dose of MCV required for entry into 12th grade

If you have questions about your child’s immunization record or need assistance completing these requirements, please consult your child’s physician or contact our school nurse. We are here to support you in making sure your child is ready for a healthy and successful school year.

Asthma Care at School

At Saints Philip & James School, we are committed to supporting students with asthma so they can participate fully and safely in daily school activities. Asthma is a chronic condition that can be effectively managed with proper care and awareness, and we work together with families and healthcare providers to ensure each student’s needs are met.

If your child requires asthma medication or treatment during the school day, please complete the Asthma Action Plan and Medication Authorization Form. Both a parent/guardian and the child’s physician must sign these documents before medication can be stored or administered at school.

For students who have demonstrated responsibility and independence in managing their asthma, secondary students may carry a rescue inhaler with them during the school day, provided all required documentation is on file and the school nurse has reviewed proper use. We strongly recommend that a second inhaler be kept in the Health Suite in case of emergency.

Dental Health Requirements

At Saints Philip & James School, we believe that supporting student wellness, including good oral health, helps every child thrive in mind, body, and spirit. In accordance with Pennsylvania state health regulations, dental examinations are required for students upon their first entry into school, as well as in 3rd and 7th grades. These examinations may be completed by your child’s regular dentist.

A Dental Examination Report must be submitted prior to the start of school to meet state health requirements. Families who do not provide the required documentation may be subject to temporary school exclusion until the form is received, as mandated by state law.

We understand that completing health requirements can sometimes be challenging, and we are here to support our families. If dental documentation is missing or incomplete, parents/guardians will be contacted and given guidance on how to fulfill the requirement.

Allergy Awareness & Management

At Saints Philip & James School, we are committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for students with food allergies and other life-threatening allergic conditions. In partnership with families, teachers, and medical professionals, we take proactive steps to prevent allergic reactions and respond quickly in the event of an emergency.

Health Office & Allergy Plans

Each school year, parents/guardians of students with allergies must submit a current Allergy Action Plan completed and signed by their child’s physician. This plan provides important medical information, including known allergens, symptoms, medications, and emergency steps.

Based on this documentation, the school nurse will create an Individual Health Plan (IHP) to ensure your child’s needs are known and supported during the school day.

Elementary students: All allergy medications, including epinephrine auto-injectors, are kept in the Health Suite.

Secondary students: May carry emergency epinephrine with written approval from the physician, parent/guardian, and school nurse.

Emergency preparedness: Stock epinephrine is available in the Health Suite for use in the event of an unexpected or undiagnosed anaphylactic reaction.

If you have questions about your child’s allergy plan or required documentation, please contact the school nurse for assistance.

Classroom Safety

Student safety is a shared responsibility. Teachers and staff are informed of student allergies via the main office and the student’s IHP or 504 Plan. 

Classroom procedures are designed to minimize exposure to known allergens when necessary.

Cafeteria & Food Service

Our cafeteria system is equipped to help keep students safe:

Staff are trained to prevent cross-contamination and follow all allergy-safe procedures.

Transportation

Safety extends beyond the classroom:

Bus drivers are notified of students with severe food allergies through the district transportation system.

In alignment with WCASD policy, no eating is permitted on the bus to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

Drivers are trained to recognize allergic emergencies and follow emergency protocols.

Medication Administration at School

At Saints Philip & James School, the safety and well-being of every student is our top priority. To ensure medications are administered safely during school hours and school-related activities, the following requirements must be met before any medication, prescription or non-prescription, can be given by the school nurse.

Prescription Medications (Daily, Temporary, Short-Term, or Occasional)

To administer prescription medications at school, the following documentation and procedures are required:

A written order from a licensed Health Care Provider (M.D., D.O., or CRNP) must accompany the medication. This order must include:

• Student’s name
• Medication name
• Dosage and time(s) to be administered
• Date and Health Care Provider signature
• A parent/guardian note or signature authorizing medication administration as prescribed by the Health Care Provider

Important: A pharmacy label or stamped order does not meet state requirements. A new order is required at the start of each school year, whenever a dosage or time change occurs, or when the medication is discontinued.

Medication must be clearly labeled in the original pharmacy container, including:

• Student’s name
• Medication name and dosage
• Instructions for administration
• Health Care Provider’s name

We recommend requesting two labeled containers from the pharmacy: one for home and one for school to ensure accurate administration.

Non-Prescription Medications

A written order from a Health Care Provider is required for any non-prescription medication except for Tylenol, antacids, and Benadryl for serious allergic reactions, which WCASD nurses may administer under standing orders.

A parent/guardian note with instructions must accompany the medication.

Medication must be in the original labeled container with a visible expiration date.

Only over-the-counter medications listed in the current edition of the Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR) for non-prescription drugs will be administered.

Homeopathic remedies and dietary supplements are subject to the same requirements.

Daily, temporary, or short-term medications given fewer than four times per day should generally be administered at home, unless otherwise ordered by a Health Care Provider.

Additional Information

Please notify your school nurse of any changes in your child’s health status so that we can provide the safest and most appropriate care.

All health information and medication records are kept confidential.

By following these procedures, we ensure that every student receives the care they need safely, accurately, and in accordance with state and district regulations.

Required Physical Examinations

At Saints Philip & James School, we are committed to supporting the health and well-being of every student. In accordance with Pennsylvania state regulations, all students are required to submit a physical examination report to the school nurse.

If your child receives immunizations during the physical exam, please ensure that these are documented on the physical form.

Submission Requirements

A physical examination report must be submitted prior to the start of school to meet state health requirements. Families who do not provide the required documentation may be subject to temporary school exclusion until the form is received, as mandated by state law. 

Parents/guardians will be notified if documentation is missing or incomplete.

Type 1 Diabetes Information

At Saints Philip & James School, we are committed to ensuring the health and safety of every student.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body cannot produce insulin. Without proper treatment, it can be life-threatening. This information is intended to raise awareness, support early recognition, and ensure that families and school staff are prepared to manage the condition safely.

Our school nurses are available to answer questions, provide resources, and help families create individualized care plans to support students with type 1 diabetes throughout the school day.