Highland Park Independent School Health Services
Attendance Guidelines for Illness
Please help us provide a healthy and safe environment for all students by observing the following based upon Texas Department of Health Guidelines.*
Do not send your child to school if any of these symptoms or signs are present in the previous 24 hours:
- Elevated temperature (100 degrees or greater).
- Acute cold, sore throat, or persistent cough.
- Vomiting, nausea, or severe abdominal pain.
- Repeated diarrhea.
- Pus-like (yellowish) discharge from the nose or eyes resulting from contagious condition (anything other than clear)
- Red, inflamed or discharging eyes (conjunctivitis).
- Suspected scabies, impetigo, acute skin rashes or eruptions, any skin lesion in the weeping stage or any other infectious childhood condition.
There will be times when it is difficult to tell when your child is too ill to go to school. Sometimes there is the worry that he or she will miss important schoolwork. Like adults, children have different tolerances for discomfort and illness. Even with a common cold, some are able to function fine while others are miserable. If your child is coughing continuously, he or she won’t be able to concentrate, and will disrupt others in the class. A day of rest at home combined with lots of fluids speeds recovery. If you decide to send your child to school when he or she is on the “borderline” of being ill, it is a good idea to call the school nurse or send a note to the teacher. Be sure to let the school know where you can be contacted in case your child’s condition worsens.
If your child complains of headaches, stomachaches or frequently does not feel well, it is wise to mention it to your doctor. Also, it is not uncommon for children to have physical complaints when they are anxious about a test or an event - - or even when they have realized that staying at home brings a little extra attention.
*Each clinic has a comprehensive chart from the Texas Department of Health containing updated information about the most common communicable diseases (for example, chicken pox, “pink eye”, etc.) with practical information about prevention as well as incubation period, signs and symptoms, and exclusion requirements.
Required Immunizations
Proof of immunization including month, day and year of the vaccine administered and physician signature (licensed to practice in the United States) must be submitted prior to enrollment.
Diptheria/Tettanus -
At least four (4) doses of DTP, DT and or TD are required. The fourth dose of DTP may be administered as early as age 12 months, provided 6 months have elapsed since the third dose and the child is unlikely to return at age 15 to 18 months. The final dose in the series should be given at age >4 years. Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids (Td) is recommended at age 11 to 12 years if at least 5 years have elapsed since the last dose of Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoid-containing vaccine. Subsequent routine TD boosters are recommended every 10 years.
Polio -
At least three (3) doses of Polio are required, provided that at least one dose is administered on or after the fourth birthday.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)-
At least one (1) dose is required on or after the first birthday. A second dose of measles is required by age five (5) for children born on or after September 2, 1991, and by age of twelve (12) for all other students. (This dose may be received as part of the second MMR). A physician statement of serological confirmation of Measles or Mumps will be accepted in lieu of vaccination.
Hepatitis B -
(a) For elementary students. Students born on or after September 2, 1992 must show three (3) doses of Hepatitis B by age 5.
(b) For secondary students. Students born on or after September 2, 1988 must show proof of three (3) doses of Hepatitis B vaccine by age 12.
Varicella (chicken pox) -
(a) For elementary students. Students born on or after September 2, 1994, must have one (1) dose of Varicella vaccine.
(b) For secondary students. Students born on or after September 2, 1988 will be required to have one (1) dose of Varicella vaccine. Two (2) doses are recommended by age 13.
Special note: For students who have had chicken pox, a note from the parent or physician with the date of the illness will be accepted in lieu of vaccination.
Haemophilus influenzae type B -
For students under age 5 (Pre-K students), at least one (1) dose of Hib conjugate (HibCV) is required on or after 15 months of age (or a primary series and booster completed by 15 months of age).
Please note: Texas law requires that all immunization records show month, day and year of the vaccine administered. All records must be signed by a physician or health care practitioner licensed to practice in the United States.
Exemptions
Medical Contraindications -
The student must have an affidavit or certificate signed by a physician who is licensed to practice medicine in the United States. If, in the opinion of the physician, the required immunization would be injurious to the child, he or she is exempt. The affidavit or certificate is valid for one year unless a lifelong condition is specified.
Reason of Conscience including Religious Belief -
The student must present a signed, notarized affidavit provided by the State of Texas. The request must be submitted through the U.S. Postal Service, commercial carrier or hand delivered to:
Texas Department of Health
Bureaus of Immunization and Pharmacy Support
1100 W. 49th St.
Austin, Texas 78756.
The request must be in writing and include the student(s) name and date of birth.
Additional Health Realted Articles
Meningitis Fact Sheet
Ozone and Temperature Guidelines
Signs of Dehydration
Immunization Schedule