Message from the MCPS Medical Officer: Summer Health Reminders Including School Immunizations

Montgomery County Public Schools sent out the following community message on Wednesday, August 2:
“Dear MCPS Community:
Fall is right around the corner! As families prepare to return to school, here are a few health care reminders from MCPS and School Health Services:

1. School immunizations—The Maryland Department of Health released updated school vaccine requirements for the 2023-2024 school year. Families of incoming kindergarten students, new students, and 7th and 8th graders may need additional vaccines to start the school year. For students whose required vaccines are incomplete, updated vaccine records must be submitted by the first day of school; proof of exemption or a vaccination visit must be submitted within 20 days. School staff are reviewing records and contacting families of students with incomplete vaccination records. Not sure if your student is up to date? Contact your child’s health care provider or access their immunization records online. Students 18 years old and younger eligible for the Vaccines for Children program may obtain free vaccines through the county’s Immunization Program.

2. School Health Forms—Returning students may need certain forms if they have a health condition that requires medication, other health support or accommodations, or an emergency health plan at school (for example, asthma, food allergies or a seizure disorder). Common forms include:

• Form 525-13 (for medications to be given or available at school): Authorization to Administer Prescribed Medication / Autorización para Suministro de Medicamento Recetado

• Form 525-14 (emergency plan for severe allergic reactions): Emergency Care for the Management of a Student with a Diagnosis of Anaphylaxis / Atención de Emergencia para Estudiantes con Diagnóstico de Anafilaxia

• Form 240-23 (for food services to be aware of special diets due to an allergy or another health condition): Special Dietary Needs Form / Formulario de Necesidades Alimentarias Especiales

• Other health forms or forms in other languages are on our website

3. Athletics—Sports team tryouts start on Aug. 9 for high school, and Sept. 12 for middle school. Student-athletes will need a sports physical if they are registering for the first time, or if it has been 13 months (high school) or two years (middle school) since the date of their last exam. Parents/guardians must submit their student’s physical form as part of the online registration process. For more information on registration, required forms or other resources for sports physicals, visit the MCPS Athletics website.

• Pre Participation Physical for Athletics / Examen Físico Previo a Participación en Deportes

4. For more information about school health services, see the program information on the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website. For an overview of mental health services and supports, download the MCPS Stronger Student App or click on “Mental Health Support” on the MCPS website.

We are excited to see everyone at the 2023 MCPS Back-to-School Fair / Feria de Regreso a la Escuela para el Ciclo Escolar 2023-2024 at Westfield Wheaton Mall on Saturday, Aug. 26! The fair is a great opportunity to learn about school and county services, and will include a free immunization clinic.

Enjoy a safe and healthy summer!

Sincerely,

Patricia Kapunan, M.D., MPH
Medical Officer, MCPS

Mark Hodge, MS, B.S.N., RN
Sr. Administrator, School Health Services, DHHS”