from FRCS School Nurse, Lori O’Keefe:

Here’s what you need to know for the new school year

Summer has barely started, but the next school year is around the corner! I have been communicating with the epidemiologist from Jefferson County and they have not released COVID guidelines for the 2021/2022 school year yet. Watch your email and the FRCS Times for more information as we receive it.

Vaccinations

As many of you know, the vaccination exemption laws changed for the 2020/2021 school year. Because of COVID-19, the implementation of this new law was delayed until the 2021/2022 school year. Previously, you were able to submit a non-medical or religious exemption by signing the appropriate form and turning it in. With the new laws, exemptions and religious exemptions are no longer accepted, so you need to familiarize yourself with the new requirements.

For the upcoming school year, you are REQUIRED by law to have any medical or non-medical vaccination exemption form signed by an MD, DO, PA, NNP, or Pharmacist. If your primary care provider will not sign this form or if you choose not to have them sign it, then the law REQUIRES you to watch a state provided Online Immunization Education Module on vaccinations. At the completion of the video, you MUST print the certificate, attach it to your signed state exemption form, and turn it into the school. I am providing the link below where you can access the module and more information about how to complete it. If your child is vaccinated on an alternate schedule or is only missing one required vaccination, you will need to complete the LEARN and attach the form. Your child WILL NOT be allowed to attend school until this is turned in. It needs to be completed every year that your child is in school (certificates expire June 30 each year).

If your child is vaccinated over the summer (for COVID or anything else), please turn in updated proof of vaccination details on Registration Day, August 10, 2021.

Medications

If your child has asthma/allergies, diabetes, a seizure plan, or needs any other medications at school, including over-the-counter medication, please plan doctor appointments now to have this paperwork signed by your physician and obtain new prescriptions. All medication must be in new, unopened packages (including Tylenol, ibuprofen, cough drops, etc.) You are required to provide new, unopened EpiPens, inhalers, ADHD medication, and other rescue medication on Registration Day. Also watch your emails, as I may be contacting you to set up a time to meet to discuss your child’s condition and physician care plan if needed. All medical forms are linked below.

Please do not wait to make appointments. Your child WILL NOT be allowed on campus if they require rescue medication of any kind (inhalers, insulin, EpiPens, seizure meds, etc.) until we have what we need to keep them safe. This is a state law and is meant for your child’s safety. Plan ahead!

Resources

For non-medical vaccine exemptions, go to https://cdphe.colorado.gov/vaccine-exemptions

On this page, scroll down to non-medical exemptions and either

1. print off the certificate of non-medical exemptions and have it signed by your doctor or physician, OR
2. click on Online Immunization Education Module and complete the course, print the certificate, and attach it to your exemption form*

*You only need to complete the module once; you will be able to print the certificate for each child in your family.

Forms:

• Allergy/Anaphylaxis Care Plan (jpg)
• Asthma Care Plan (jpg)
• Diabetes Care Plan (pdf)
• Diabetes Orders Insulin Pump (pdf)
• Over-the-counter Medication Form (pdf)
• Prescription Medication Form (pdf)
• Self-carry Medication Contract (pdf)

If you have any questions, please reach out!

Lori O’Keefe, RN
Elementary Office Assistant
FRCS School Nurse