stmaryspalmdale.org > Admissions > Health & Immunization Requirements

HEALTH & IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS -

In accordance with guidelines set forth by the Los Angeles Archdiocese in alignment with the requirements mandated by the California Department of Health, St. Mary's issues the following health information:

* All students K-8 are required to submit an up-to-date California Immunization Record

* TB Mandate (PPD) All students entering a California school for the first time, or who have not previously had a test must have a TB test which shows date given, date read, and result. A positive result requires verification of a chest x-ray and result. TB Tests are only needed one time to meet school requirements.

* Students entering Kindergarten are encouraged to provide a verification of a health physical (California Health Department Program form), while students entering First Grade are required to submit the physical form prior to the first day of school.

* All students must meet the immunization requirements based on age/grade level mandates. Compliance is expected within the permitted grace period denoted for each individual student. Students who have not met the requirements by the due date are subject to exclusion from school until mandates are met.

* Students whose parents have opted to not have immunizations given for medical or personal belief reasons must have the Immunization Blue Card signed. A physician's written verification is required for medical waivers. Students who fit this criteria are subject to exclusion from school during the event of health outbreak for which they have not been immunized for, for the duration of the outbreak (length of exclusion may vary).

Health Screenings are conducted annually in accordance with California State Law and per Archdiocesan and Health Department policy. St. Mary's performs the screenings for the following grade levels:

Vision Screening - K, 2, 5, and 7 and new students/referrals.

Hearing Screening: K, 2, 5, and 8 and new students/referrals.

Scoliosis Screening - 5 (all students), 6 (all students), 7 (girls only), 8 (boys only)

The California Health Department has issued the following statement as of 11-17-2010
(Applies to students entering 7th & 8th Grade 2011-2012) :

"Pertussis is widespread. If your child 10 years and older has not yet received the "Tdap" pertussis booster shot, please contact your doctor or health department. Getting a booster shot now will protect your child against the on-going threat of pertussis and meet a new school requirement that begins the 2011-2012 school year (California Law - Assembly Bill 354).

Adults are also advised to get a pertussis booster shot, if they haven't already, to protect themselves, their families, and their students."

Parents may access the California Department of Public Health website via the following link for additional information regarding this newly implemented requirement:

http://www.shotsforschool.org/faq.html