Health Services

Immunization requirements must be met prior to school entry and for school participation. The District follows State immunization laws and valid vaccine records are required. Personal or religious beliefs exemptions are no longer accepted in place of required vaccines. Personal/religious beliefs exemptions already on file for a continuing student enrolled in the District will remain valid until the student reaches an immunization checkpoint or grade span. Grade spans are: birth to preschool, kindergarten (including transitional kindergarten), and grades 1-6, and grades 7-12.

Under current California law, a doctor may issue a medical exemption for students whose medical circumstances are such that immunization is not considered safe under the standard of medical care. Medical exemptions can only be issued through the California Immunization Registry – Medical Exemption (Cair-Me) website by physicians licensed in California. An existing medical exemption on file at school will remain valid until the earliest of:

• When the student enrolls in the next grade span (Pre-K, TK/K-6th grade, 7th-12th grade)

• Revocation of the exemption by the appropriate authority

Please let your school nurse know when your child’s immunizations are updated and if you have questions.

Physical exams and oral health assessments are required at specified grade levels.  Please refer to the student enrollment information or school for information about school health requirements.    

Medication at school requires written authorization.  Forms are available from the school or Health Services.  Medication authorization forms must be signed by physician and parent. The medication must be in a pharmacy labeled container in order for the medication to be given at school. Over-the-counter medication and products also require written physician orders. Please provide the school with extra medication in case of disasters.

School nurses work collaboratively with the Orange County Health Care Agency in regard to concerns regarding communicable diseases at school.  For the health and safety of students, and to minimize the potential spread of illness to students and staff, parents are asked to conduct a health check at home prior to sending students to school.  If your student is ill, please keep your student home, contact your doctor, and notify the school and school nurse.  We ask you to keep your student home if the following symptoms are present:

• Fever of 100.4F degrees or higher

• New cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing

• Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

• Unusual rash, rash and fever

• Body aches

• Sore throat

• New loss of taste or smell

• Unusual fatigue or irritability

This list is not a comprehensive list of symptoms.  Always consult your healthcare provider for health concerns.  Students must be fever-free, without medication, for 24 hours before returning to school and symptoms should be resolving.

Up-to-date health information, phone and cell numbers are essential in case your student becomes ill or injured at school or if there is a disaster. We strive to maintain confidentiality of all health records. Health information may be shared with appropriate staff as necessary.

Health screening is a function of the school nurse and is provided according to State requirements and when students are referred to the nurse. Vision and hearing screening are done at State required grade levels and when concerns are noted. Dental, nutrition, height and weight screening may also be done. The parent/guardian will be notified if areas of concern are found. Parents/guardians are invited to notify the nurse if they have concerns and may “opt” out of health screenings by sending a written note to the school nurse.

The school district participates in the California Medi-Cal Program for Local Education Agencies. This allows reimbursement to the district with federal Medi-Caid funds for select medically necessary services provided to eligible students at school. These services may include speech and language therapy, occupational/physical therapy, transportation, mental health, and specialized physical health care services. In accordance with the local educational agency rules and guidelines, eligible student health data may be forwarded to the school district's billing agency, in accordance with confidentiality laws and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance. Services currently provided to all students will not be changed by this program. Students will not be denied services they require to attend school, and parents will not be billed for services by the school district.

How do I schedule an appointment for a Covid-19 vaccine?

•  You can find COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies and community locations such as clinics, pharmacies and community agencies. Because every location handles appointments differently. You will need to schedule your appointment directly with the location you choose.

• Those interested in Covid-19 vaccine for youth between ages 12-17 may contact the Orange County Health Care Agency. Vaccine appointments may be schedule through the Othena app. 

• Walk in vaccines are also accessible at COVID-19 Vaccine Resources. 

• The Orange County Health Care Agency has information about vaccines, locating vaccines and for questions on preparing for vaccine. 

• Vaccine FAQs and information on effectiveness can be found on the HCA website.

Are there requirements to receive a Covid-19 vaccine?

• COVID vaccines are available for anyone who lives and works in Orange County, age 12 and older, based on supply.

• Photo ID is usually required.

• Minors ages 12-17 must be with a parent or legal guardian, provide picture ID and proof of age.

Are COVID-19 vaccines safe?

Yes, COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Millions of people in the United States have received COVID-19 vaccines under the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history. CDC recommends you get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as one is available to you.

How much do COVID-19 vaccines cost?

Nothing, your vaccination is free. The federal government is providing the vaccine free of charge to all people living in the United States, regardless of their immigration or health insurance status.

How can I get help in my own language?

If you speak a language other than English or Spanish and need help finding a vaccine provider near you or have general questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, please call 1-800-232-0233.