Health Office

The MCS Health Office is dedicated to keeping your child healthy and safe. Below you will find information on our public health requirements, when it’s best to keep your child home from school, what to do in case of injury, school procedure on medication administration at school, and more. For your convenience, we have also provided links to any forms you may need to submit to the Health Office. If you have any questions, please contact your Health Services Coordinator, Kimberly Aneed, RN.

Health Records

We strictly uphold the California Immunization Requirement that all immunizations, health records, and updates be current in order for your child to be in attendance on the first day of school. Please make sure you have given the Health Office the requested forms no later than the first day of school.

Incoming 1st grade students must also have the Health Exam form filled out by your child’s physician 18 months before or up to 90 days after the first day of first grade.

Immunizations

In accordance with California School Immunization Law (Health and Safety Code Sections 120325-120375), any student entering school must have all immunizations up to date.

Students Admitted at TK/K-12 Need:

Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, Tdap, or Td) — 5 doses
- 4 doses OK if one was given on or after 4th birthday
- 3 doses OK if one was given on or after 7th birthday
- For 7th - 12th graders, at least 1 does of Pertussis-containing vaccine is required on or after 7th birthday
Polio (OPV or IPV) — 4 doses
- 3 doses OK if one was given on or after 4th birthday
Hepatitis B — 3 doses
- Not required for 7th grade entry
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) — 2 doses
- Both given on or after 1st birthday
Varicella (Chickenpox) — 2 doses

These Immunization requirements apply to new admissions and transfers for all grades, including TK.

Students Starting 7th Grade Need:

Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) — 1 dose
- Whooping Cough Booster usually given at 11 years and up

In addition, the TK/K-12 immunization requirements apply to the 7th graders who:

Previously had a valid personal beliefs exemption filed before 2016 upon entry between TK/Kindergarten and 6th grade
Are new admissions, including from out-of-state; applies to all grades.
All students entering 7th grade will need to show proof of an adolescent booster immunization in order for them to start school.

For more information about this booster, please visit: www.shotsforschool.org.

Medical Exemptions

For admissions on or after January 1, 2021, what is required for a medical exemption to a required immunization?

Starting January 1, 2021:

Medical exemptions can only be issued through the California Immunization Registry – Medical Exemption website (CAIR-ME) by physicians licensed in California.
Schools may only accept from parents new medical exemptions that are issued using CAIR-ME.

Information about school immunization requirements and Frequently Asked Questions are available on the State’s Shots for School website at www.shotsforschool.org.

Illness & Injury

Healthy students learn better! Please do not send your child to school when he/she is ill. Call the school immediately if your child has a communicable disease such as (but not limited to) strep throat, scarlet fever, head lice, chickenpox, impetigo, ringworm, fifth disease hand-foot-mouth disease, pink eye, mononucleosis or COVID-19. Should your child become ill, please refer to these guidelines when deciding whether or not they should attend school.

The staff continually observes the students for possible symptoms or exposure to contagious diseases. Parents are notified of communicable disease based on the policies set forth by the Orange County Health Care Agency.

If your child sustains a moderate or severe injury, a physician's approval is mandatory pending their return to school. This ensures we can adequately follow the necessary treatment plans during school hours. For your convenience, please use the School Participation Following Injury/Illness form.

Please make sure the school has a current emergency contact form on file at all times with home, cell and parents’ work numbers, a doctor’s name and number, and the number of two other adults in case the parents cannot be reached.

Medication

Medical treatment is the responsibility of the parent/guardian and an authorized health care provider. An authorized health care provider is an individual who is licensed by the State of California to prescribe medication. Both prescription and over the counter medication may be given at school when it is deemed absolutely necessary by the authorized health care provider. The parent/guardian is urged, with the help of your child’s authorized health care provider, to work out a schedule of giving medication at home whenever possible. If your child needs to take medication at school (daily or in case of an emergency) please have their authorized health care provider fill out the Medication Form.

California Education Code, Section 49423 allows school personnel to assist in carrying out an authorized health care provider’s written orders. Designated non-medical school personnel may be assisting with your child’s medication. They will be trained and supervised by the School Nurses. Medication will be safely stored and locked or refrigerated if required.

Emergency medicine such as EpiPens or inhalers may be carried by the student when authorized by a health care provider and parent. If an EpiPen is required, we will also request that the parents have their health care provider complete a Food Allergy Action Plan. Back-up medication should be kept at school for emergency use. Students who have a chronic medical condition (diabetes, epilepsy, etc.) should have an emergency supply of their prescription medication at school with the appropriate consent forms in the event of a disaster.

Allergy Alert

We have several students with various food allergies. Students with nut allergies sometimes have life-threatening reactions that require epinephrine treatment when exposed. We have a special nut-free lunch table for these students to enjoy their meals safely. We would ask that all students respect this area. In addition, we will be encouraging students to wash their hands after eating foods with nut products to avoid spreading the oils to our play equipment. All faculty/staff are trained in EpiPen administration. If your child has an EpiPen prescribed by their doctor, please provide one for the Health Office in case of a severe reaction at school.

Chronic Medical Conditions

Students requiring management or accommodations for chronic medical conditions should have a written diagnosis, treatment plans and limitations on file with the school. Please complete the appropriate forms located (below) and hand-deliver them to the Health Office on Meet the Teacher Day, along with any medications. All medications must be in the original package with the prescription showing the student's name.

Medical Forms

If you would like to discuss your child’s medical condition or have questions, please contact Kimberly Aneed by email at or at (714) 437-1700 extension 179.