School Health

Nurse Coordinator
Anne Shaw RN, BSN
anne.shaw@mpark.net

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The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), announced Manassas Park was among 20 winners of the Promoting Pediatric Primary Prevention (P4) Challenge, a nationwide competition to increase pediatric vaccination rates and well-child visits.

Final winners represent the diversity of the country and include mobile vaccination projects, Head Start partnerships, primary care texting strategies, and targeted support for children supported by resource families. Challenge projects generated more than 52,000 pediatric well-child visits and nearly 23,000 immunizations.

“Among the many impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a decline in routine pediatric immunizations and well-child visits, which threatens to undermine the significant progress we’ve made in children’s health,” said HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson. “Our HRSA Challenge initiative focused on generating creative approaches and meaningful results in helping to get children vaccinated, see their provider, and stay healthy.”

Frequently Asked QUestions

Does MPCS require daily health screening questionnaires for students?

We ask that families monitor how their child is feeling every morning before sending him/her to school. If your child is not feeling well, please do not send him/her to school that day.

What are Symptoms of COVID-19 and Variants?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. Visit the CDC website for complete list of symptoms.

VDH recommends that the following people be tested for COVID-19

• People with symptoms or signs of COVID-19 regardless of vaccination status.
• Most people who have had close contact with someone known or suspected to have COVID-19

Fully vaccinated people should be tested 3-5 days following a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, even if they do not have symptoms.

People who are not fully vaccinated should be tested immediately after an exposure and again at 5-7 days following exposure if the first test is negative

People who tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 3 months and recovered, do not need to get tested after exposure as long as they do not have symptoms.

• People who participate in activities that are higher risk for COVID-19 exposure (e.g., travel, attending large events where social distancing is not possible, or being in crowded indoor settings)
• People who have been referred for COVID-19 testing by their healthcare provider or the state/local health department.
• People who plan to travel or who have recently returned from travel with some exceptions for fully vaccinated people
• People who are not fully vaccinated and who plan to visit people at high risk of developing severe COVID-19

While vaccination is the most effective strategy to protect individuals, their family and their community, testing remains an important tool to help identify individuals with illness and monitor trends in COVID-19 infection.

For more information about COVID-19 testing call (877) 829-4682, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Saturday.

Can my child change to a virtual school option?

Those with documented health conditions can apply for homebound services.

Additional Resources:

VDH Guidance for Parents/Guardians
VDH Healthy Back to School
VDH COVID-19 Vaccination Response
VDH Interim Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in VA PreK-12 Schools
VDH Algorithm for Evaluating a Child with COVID-19 Symptoms or Exposure

The MPCS Continuity of Learning Plan can be accessed here.

The 2007 General Assembly passed legislation that requires the Virginia Department of Health to provide parents/guardians of rising sixth-grade girls with information on the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that girls 11-12 years old receive the vaccine. In 2011, the CDC provided additional recommendation that boys 11-12 years old also receive the HPV Vaccine.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) – Effective October 1, 2008, a complete series of 3 doses of HPV vaccine is required for females. The first dose shall be administered before the child enters the 6th grade. After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parent’s or guardian’s sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.
> Virginia Department of Health School Requirements