School Health Consortium Meets on Infectious Disease Control and Related Student Health Matters

The San Juan Island School District, in partnership with San Juan Island private schools, local health care providers and San Juan County Health and Community Services, met on Sept 23, 2014 to coordinate immunization procedures and to better communicate matters of infectious disease control. There was a useful exchange of both ideas and information with a commitment to better serving the health and wellness needs of all our Island’s children. The concept of a San Juan Island School Health Consortium was established.

The team discussed the ongoing need to immunize students for the health and safety of all involved. One of the goals of the consortium was to ensure immunizations policies were being followed for part-time students, shared students, and student athletes. The team looked for systemic gaps so that improvements can be made both now and in the future. The recent scare with measles helped motivate the partners in their work.

Cost should not be a barrier for vaccinations. Washington State has done more to take down barriers such as cost or access for immunizations. Information was shared to demonstrate that vaccines do work.

The consortium also received an update regarding the Enterovirus EV-D68 which is now present in our state. Asthmatic students are particularly at high risk, and if infected may need immediate medical care for respiratory symptoms.

For further information the consortium recommends the following reference materials:

San Juan Island School District Policy 3414 www.sjisd.wednet.edu
http://www.doh.wa.gov/
http://www.cdc.gov/

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