Health Office

Our school health program is regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) School Health Services to provide all school children with access to quality health services. The mission of the health office is to ensure a safe and healthy school environment that is responsive to the needs of a diverse culture of students and families. Our ability to positively collaborate with both the MDPH and our own community supports the student’s ability to achieve success at school.

We look forward to providing care for our school community. If your child has a specific chronic condition the school will make every effort possible to work with you and your child.

 

Please download and review our
2023/24 Health Handbook

Contact Laurie Zacek, RN:
413-586-1908 ext 124
lzacek@hartsbrook.org
nurse@hartsbrook.org

Health Office Hours:
Monday through Friday
8:30 am to 3:30 pm

Athletics: Pre-Participation Head Injury/Concussion Reporting Form

Medical Information Required for School Entry

Medication Authorization Form

Immunization requirements for MA schools 2024-25

Meningococcal Vaccine Requirement
Statement on Immunization

Statement of Exemption

Massachusetts Asthma Action Plan
Bee Sting Allergy Action Plan
Food Allergy Action Plan

Please be sure that your child is up to date on the required MMR vaccine.

“Although measles has been eliminated in the US, international travelers continue to bring measles into the United States. Currently, there is a substantially increased threat of measles importation to the US related to a dramatic rise in the number of measles cases worldwide. Notably, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued an alert about several cases of measles occurring in the US related to international travel – to date, ten states have reported measles cases in their jurisdictions since December 1, 2023.

The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective. All children should receive two doses of MMR vaccine to ensure they are immune. The first dose is usually given at 12–15 months, and the second dose is given at ages 4 to 6 years. The CDC suggests that 95% of the population must be fully vaccinated or immune to achieve herd immunity to protect individuals and communities from outbreaks.” For more information, download Measles: What You Should Know

SNAP Health Portal Announcement

Stay Healthy During Cold and Flu Season

Protect yourself and others from getting sick flyer | Mass.gov

Here are some steps to help you and those around you stay healthy during this season of respiratory viruses.

1. Stay up to date with flu and COVID vaccines. This will help to reduce the risk of infection, severe disease and complications that may lead to hospitalization
2. Consider your options for protection against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). For most people, RSV causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, RSV can be severe for infants and older adults.

For those ages 60 and older talk to your health care professional about protection against RSV with the vaccine. To find a local pharmacy for either flu or COVID-19 vaccines, you can go to vaccines.gov. You can also text your zip code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233.

• Stop the spread of germs by practicing good hand hygiene.

• Teach children to cover their coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the crook of their arm.
• Wash hands with soap and water frequently especially after nose blowing,coughing or sneezing and before eating, and after using the bathroom.
• Stay home if sick and consult with their health care provider for diagnosis and treatment

Test to rule out COVID 

1. If there are symptoms that could be COVID-19 or you think there may have been exposure to someone who has COVID-19, take an at-home test.

See also:
CDC Flu resource

Take good care,

Laurie Zacek, RN
Health Office

Immunizations and Flu Vaccine

The Hartsbrook School has the expectation that parents will follow the MA state requirements for immunization and keep their children’s vaccinations up to date for the safety of everyone.

The Immunization Requirements for School Entry resource (updated March 3, 2023) outlines the required vaccines by child care/preschool, grades K-6, grades 7-12, and college.

There are new immunization requirements for the meningococcal vaccine for school entry (this started in the 2020/21 school year). The flyer, New Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MenACWY) Requirement for School Entry, answers frequently asked questions about the new requirement. Also see: CDC information

Taking Care of Yourself

COVID Resources

More Information