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School Health

Contact Information

Phone: 301-766-8793

Fax: 301-766-8695

The Washington County Public Schools School Health Program promotes optimal health and safety among our students to support achievement of academic success. In addition to our students, our staff and community are also an important part of our focus for a healthy and safe environment and self.  In collaboration with Meritus Medical Center, WCPS provides health services and health education in each of our schools.

Medications/Treatments

If a medication or treatment is necessary during the school day, the parent/guardian(s) must provide a written physician order from the student’s healthcare provider for all prescription and over-the-counter medications or treatments.

Medications must be transported by an adult and provided to the school in the pharmacy container, correctly and completely labeled. Over-the-counter medication must be in the original, unopened container. Medications sent in envelopes, plastic bags or daily reminder containers cannot be administered. No medication may be expired.

Any equipment/supplies necessary for treatments must be provided by parent/guardian(s).

Health Forms for Enrollment

All children need to have an up-to-date copy of immunization records to be enrolled in, and to attend, school. By the first day of school, students will need to have proof of having received all required immunizations or a documented appointment to receive any required immunizations within 20 calendar days to remain in school. 

Childhood lead poisoning is a preventable environmental disease. Children exposed to lead can develop physical and behavioral problems as well as learning disabilities. All children who currently live or have ever lived in the targeted ZIP Codes enrolled in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade must show evidence of  blood lead testing.  To comply with the law, parents/guardians must complete the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Blood Lead Testing Certificate.

physical examination by a physician or certified nurse practitioner must be completed within nine months prior to entering the public school system or within six months after entering the system.

Required Vaccinations to enter 7th Grade

 As of August 2014, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene requires all students entering 7th grade to have had:
  • Single dose of Tdap vaccination (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)*
  • Single dose of meningococcal vaccination (MCV)

*Tdap is not the same as DPT or DTaP. Even if your child has received DPT or DTaP in the past they will still need a single dose of Tdap.

According to Maryland School Immunization Regulations (COMAR 10.06.04), in order to attend public school, students must be immunized according to the Maryland Recommended Childhood Immunization Schedule, including the immunizations required for 7th grade students. The 2020– 2021 school year starts August 31, 2020. Students who are not in compliance with immunization requirements should be excluded from school until the immunization and documentation is provided to the school. Students must provide documentation that they have all required immunizations OR documentation of having a scheduled appointment before September 21, 2020 to receive the required immunizations by the first day of school. Students with medical or religious exemptions or are homeless are to contact the school.

Students can receive the vaccinations required for 7th grade students at age 11. We strongly advise parents of 6th grade students to schedule the immunizations as soon as possible. If you believe that your child has already received all required vaccinations, please provide a copy of his or her immunization record to your school nurse. If you are unable to schedule an immunization appointment with your child’s doctor, you can call the health department (240-313-3210) to schedule an appointment. CVS minute clinic (866-389-2727) is also a resource for obtaining the required immunizations.

If you have any questions about the immunizations that are required for school, please call your child’s doctor or the Office of School Health (301-766-8723). 

To view and print official copies of your child’s vaccination records at no cost, visit MD.MyIR.net

One for Good

One for Good is a partnership between Healthy Washington County and the Consumer Goods Forum’s Collaboration for Healthier Lives to bring together retailers, manufacturers and public health organizations to support wellness through the empowerment of citizens to make healthier choices. For More Information