A Message from our Nurse

Dear 6th Grade Parents,

The Iowa Department of Public Health and the Iowa Immunization Law require that all students entering 7th grade have both a Meningococcal vaccine and a Tdap (Tetunus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis/whooping cough) booster before school starts this fall.

The Tdap requirement has been put in place since the 2013/14 school year and requires the booster dose of Tetunus, Diphtheria and acellular Pertussis containing vaccine for students entering 7th grade, regardless of the interval since the last Tetunus/Diphtheria containing vaccine. Pertussis (whooping cough) is a very contagious disease that causes violent coughing fits that make it hard to breathe.

Meningococcal disease is a life threatening illness that is caused by bacteria that infects the brain, blood and spinal cord. It easily spreads in crowded settings. The vaccine will be required prior to both the 7th and 12th grades.

All students entering 7th grade must have proof of having both the Meningococcal and the Tdap vaccines before school starts in August unless the student has a Certificate of Immunization Exemption.

You may get these shots at your doctor or possibly at the Siouxland District Health Department. Their phone number is 712-279-6119.

There will be NO grace/extension period for the implementation of this requirement. 6th grade complete this requirement now and turn record into school.

Frostbite—A Winter Weather Hazard

Frostbite is a condition in which skin or part of the body becomes partially frozen due to exposure to cold. Body parts most likely to be frostbitten are the fingers, toes, ears, nose and cheeks. In the beginning stages of frostbite, the skin will become very red and then pale.

DO:

Do bring the child indoors.
Do warm the area in a pan of lukewarm water.
If hands or feet are affected, elevate them above the heart level.
Keep exposed areas dry to help prevent more frostbite.

DO NOT:

Do not rub or massage the area.
Do not warm with a heating pad.
Do not break blisters that have formed.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF:

The skin blisters.
The area feels numb after 15 minutes of warming.
The skin is cold, white, hard and waxy feeling. This usually means the frostbite is severe.

PREVENTION:

Protect children from cold, wind and moisture.
Dress them in proper clothing:
Dress your child in several layers of light, loose clothing rather than one heavy garment.
Protect the child’s head and neck with a hat and scarf and his/her face with a mask.
For outdoor play, boots high enough to cover the ankles, two pairs of socks and mittens or gloves should be worn.
Try to make arrangements for your child’s transportation to and from school, instead of walking, on extremely cold days.

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