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Marcia Statz, School Nurse
South Whidbey High School Campus
360.221.6808, ext. 5420
Fax 360.221.6229
mstatz@sw.wednet.edu
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Emmy Atwood, School Nurse
South Whidbey Middle School South Campus
360.221.6808, ext. 4648
South Whidbey Elementary School North Campus
360.221.6808, ext. 4508
eatwood@sw.wednet.edu
Health Services Assistants: Carrie Allen and Joanne Keefe
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2019 Washington Law Changes for School Immunization Exemptions:
https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Schools/Immunization/ExemptionLawChange
https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Schools/Immunization/ExemptionLawChange/ExemptionLawFAQs
Info and link to table of valid medical exemptions: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/general-recs/contraindications.html
As a parent, there is nothing more important that safeguarding your child's health. The Washington State Legislature requires us to make information available to you about meningococcal disease and human papillomavirus (HPV). Know the facts about these diseases and the vaccines available to protect your child. 2018 Letter Regarding Meningococcal and HPV
"E-cigarette use among U.S. youth and young adults is now a major public health concern. E-cigarette use has increased considerably in recent years, growing an astounding 900% among high school students from 2011 to 2015…. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which can cause addiction and can harm the developing adolescent brain."
Since that announcement a website has been created by the Surgeon General that provides facts about e-cigarettes.
https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/
"Know the Risk": https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/knowtherisks.html
"Fact Sheet": https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/documents/2016_SGR_Fact_Sheet_508.pdf
Parent Tip Sheet (how to address the topic with kids): https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/documents/SGR_ECig_ParentTipSheet_508.pdf
FAQ: https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/documents/2016_SGR_ECig_FAQ_508.pdf
There is also a PSA video by the Surgeon General: https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/default.htm
AFM Investigation
Several children in Washington have become ill with symptoms consistent with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). We don't know what caused these cases, but Department of Health, together with the CDC, Seattle Children's Hospital, Public Health-Seattle and King County is investigating these cases to understand what caused them.http://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1400/Facts%20on%20AFM.pdf
Updated Information About the Cases
Last update: 11/02/2016
Case counts
- There have been nine reported cases (ranging from 3 and 14 years old)
- Two cases have been confirmed as AFM
- Seven cases are still being evaluated for AFM
Case status
- Five children have been released from the hospital
- Three children are currently hospitalized
- One child has died. (It is not known at this time if this child had AFM.)
The potential cases come from five Washington counties:
- King County, three children
- Franklin County, two children
- Pierce County, one child
- Snohomish County, one child
- Whatcom County, two children
Meningococcal disease can refer to any illness that is caused by the type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus [muh-ning-goh-KOK-us]. These illnesses are often severe and include infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream infections (bacteremia or septicemia).
Meningococcus bacteria are spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions like spit (e.g., by living in close quarters, kissing). Meningococcal disease can be treated with antibiotics, but quick medical attention is extremely important. Keeping up to date with recommended vaccines is the best defense against meningococcal disease.
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ABOUT THE DISEASE
Risk factors, causes & transmission, signs & symptoms, diagnosis & treatment, prevention, photos...
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MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINATION
Information on getting vaccinated...
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SURVEILLANCE
Meningococcal disease is a reportable condition in all states...
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CLINICAL INFORMATION
Causes of meningococcal disease, technical & clinical information, vaccine resources...
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MENINGOCOCCAL OUTBREAKS
Almost all cases of meningococcal disease are sporadic...
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LABORATORY INFORMATION
CDC's Meningitis Laboratory and reference lab...
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MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE IN OTHER COUNTRIES
Global meningococcal disease, epidemics in Africa...
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PUBLICATIONS & MULTIMEDIA
Publications, web features, podcasts, e-Cards, print materials...
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms of meningococcal disease are usually sudden onset of fever, headache, and stiff neck. It can start with symptoms similar to influenza (flu), and will often also cause nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, rash, and confusion.
More
Meningococcal Vaccination
- Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine | Serogroup B Meningococcal Vaccine
These one-page CDC vaccine information statements explain who should get meningococcal ACWY vaccines or serogroup B meningococcal vaccines and when.
- Serogroup B Meningococcal Vaccine & Outbreaks
Newly licensed serogroup B meningococcal vaccines can be an important tool for controlling outbreaks of serogroup B meningococcal disease.
- Basics
Offers comprehensive information about meningococcal vaccines and other educational tools.
- Safety
As with all vaccines, there can be minor reactions, including pain and redness at the injection site, headache, fatigue or a vague feeling of discomfort.
- Prevention Recommendations
Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Related Links