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Important school immunization information

Within 14 days of the first day of school or day care, parents must:

• Show proof of their child's up-to-date vaccinations, OR

• Provide a valid medical exemption from vaccination.

  In order to attend or remain in school or day care, children who are unvaccinated or overdue must receive at least the first dose of all required vaccines within the first 14 days. They also must receive subsequent vaccines in the series within a 14-day period of when they are due to complete the immunization series .

  Vaccines required for day care, pre-K, and school attendance

• Diphtheria and Tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine and Pertussis vaccine (DTaP or Tdap)

• Hepatitis B vaccine

• Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine (MMR)

• Polio vaccine

• Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccine

  Additional vaccines required for middle school and high school

• Tdap vaccine for Grades 6-12

• Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) for Grades 7-12

• Students in Grade 12 need an additional booster dose of MenACWY on or after their 16 th birthday

Additional vaccines required for day care and pre-K

• Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine (HiB)

• Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine (PCV)

Be cautious when responding to a Microsoft Teams request as it may be a nefarious group looking to steal data and assets from you.

They impersonate IT or help desk staff, and try to convince their victims to grant them remote access to their computers using legitimate tools like Quick Assist.

Click here for more information.

“DarkSword doesn't need to be installed on a target's device. A victim simply needs to visit an infected website. From there, DarkSword steals personal or financial data.”

Click here for more information.

 

 

Many respiratory viruses, like influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), circulate year-round in the US and New York, typically with more activity in fall and winter (October - May).

Respiratory viruses can cause cold or flu-like symptoms and can be more serious in some people.

These illnesses can spread through:

• Direct interactions like sneezing or coughing.

• Indirect contact, like touching contaminated objects.

For more specific information about each of these viruses, visit Understanding Respiratory Illnesses - RSV, Flu, and COVID-19.

How Can I Protect Myself and Others?

To minimize the risk of catching or transmitting these illnesses:

• Get Vaccinated: Visit the Vaccines and Immunization page to learn about seasonal flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines.

• Stay home when sick and avoid close contact with people who are sick: This simple step can slow the spread of flu, RSV, COVID-19, and even the common cold.

• Get tested: Displaying symptoms? Test kits for COVID-19 and the flu are widely available at pharmacies. If positive and you are in a higher risk group, call your health care provider to see if antiviral treatment is recommended for you.

• Wear a mask: Wear a mask in crowded places. For best protection, opt for respirator masks like N95 or KN95. If you do not have those, use a surgical mask.

• Wash your hands: Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds or use a 60% alcohol-based sanitizer.

• Practice good hygiene: Cover coughs and sneezes with the inside of an elbow or tissue. Dispose of tissues properly and clean hands afterward. Clean frequently touched surfaces.

• Improve air quality: Indoor air quality can play a key role in the transmission of airborne viruses. Good air flow helps stop viruses from building up and spreading. You can improve indoor air quality by:

  • Opening doors and windows

  • Using fans to bring in fresh air

  • Improving performance of mechanical ventilation (or HVAC) systems by performing regular maintenance, including cleaning or replacing air filters

  • Using portable air cleaning devices.

Who is at high risk?

Anyone can get a respiratory virus, but some people have a higher risk of getting very sick, including:

• Older adults

• Younger children

• People with weakened immune systems

• People with disabilities

• People who are pregnant

• People with underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, obesity and overweight, liver disease, kidney disease, dementia, cystic fibrosis, cancer, blood disorders, HIV/AIDS, history of stroke, tuberculosis, and those who smoke or used to smoke.

 

To keep school-age children safe in cold weather, ensure they wear multiple layers, including a water-resistant coat, hat, mittens, and insulated boots. Limit outdoor play in temperatures below -15°F (-26°C), ensure they stay dry, and check for signs of frostbite like white patches on skin. 

Essential Clothing & Gear

• Layer Up: Use three layers—a moisture-wicking base layer, insulating middle layer (fleece/wool), and waterproof outer layer.
• Cover Extremities: Hats are essential to prevent heat loss, with mittens providing more warmth than gloves.
• Safe Gear: Remove dangling scarves and drawstrings from clothing to prevent choking hazards.
• Visible Clothing: Choose bright or reflective colors so children are visible to drivers. 

Outdoor Safety & Play

• Time Limits: Set reasonable time limits for playing outside and have children come inside for regular, quick warm-up breaks.
• Dry Clothes: Immediately replace any clothing that becomes wet from snow or sweat.
• Avoid Hypothermia: Watch for symptoms like intense shivering, lethargy, or confusion.
• Safe Snow Structures: Supervise the building of snow forts or tunnels to prevent collapse and suffocation, ensuring they have an exit.
• Ice Safety: Only allow skating on approved, thick frozen surfaces. 

Traveling & Health

• Car Seat Safety: Do not put children in thick, puffy winter coats under a car seat harness; it causes a loose, unsafe fit. Instead, place the coat or a blanket over them after buckling.
• Hydration & Sunscreen: Children get dehydrated in the cold, so encourage water consumption. Use sunscreen, as snow reflects UV rays. 

1. Malicious browser extensions capable of tracking user activity have been found across Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
2. The campaign, known as GhostPoster, plants malicious code in add-on logos.
3. If you have one of the 17 extensions identified, delete it ASAP.

 

Click here for more information.

“The FBI says a hacking group known as Kimsuky is targeting 'US entities' with emails that contain codes intended to infect devices and scoop up personal data.”

 

Click here for more information.

Please click here for the statement issued by the President and the CEO of the National Association of School Nurses.

 

This is in response to changes put forth by the CDC in January 2026.

Android malware from possible Russian Hackers is now infecting phones.

This malware may take control of infected devices and could allow attackers to access to any and all information stored on the phone.

The new malware is labeled Albiriox and is an advanced malware package.

 

Click here for more information.

 

Nefarious entities are using ChatGPT via Google and other search engines to convince Mac users to unwittingly install Malware (MacStealer), which allows them to access iCloud credentials, files and other personal data.

 

This attack vector occurs through the ChatGPT results at the top of a web search. Through the search, the user is instructed to "run scripts" in MacOS Terminal which downloads and installs the Malware. These commands are disguised in the search itself which usually relies on a user who is not as familiar with Terminal commands to copy and paste and therefore self-install.

 

Click here for more information.

 

 

As the weather gets colder and the nights get longer, I would like to pass on some suggestions that families can do to stay safe and healthy this winter.

The CDC recommends that anyone over 6 months of age, receive COVID vaccines and the annual Flu vaccine. These can be given for free at drug stores and clinics, in addition to your child's pediatrician.
Children can get the flu, a fever, sore throats and stomach viruses. It is important to keep your pantries and refrigerators stocked with the following items this winter:

• Antibacterial soap for frequent handwashing
• Boxes of tissues
• Toothpaste and mouthwash
• Vitamin waters
• Bouillon cubes & broth
• Ice pops
• Sherbet
• Jello
• Saltines
• Pretzels
• White rice
• Apple sauce, unsweetened
• Bread for toast
• Canned, not condensed soups

It is helpful to have a working thermometer available to take your child's temperature, if needed. Any assistance needed in properly using the thermometer, please call Nurse Dana at the school.

Liquid Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen should only be given for a temperature of 100.4 or higher.

Nurse Dana

Core prevention strategies

Core prevention strategies are essential practices recommended for everyone. They provide a foundation of protection for you and your loved ones:

• Stay up to date with recommended immunizations. Talk to your doctor or trusted healthcare provider about what may be recommended for you and your family.
• Practice good hygiene like washing your hands regularly and cleaning commonly touched surfaces.
• Take steps for cleaner air as possible in places where people live and work.
• When sick with a respiratory illness:
• Use precautions to prevent spread. Stay home and away from others.
• Seek health care promptly for treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness; treatment may help lower your risk of severe illness.
• Additional prevention strategies

Additional prevention strategies are extra measures you can choose that can further reduce your risk of respiratory illness. They can provide an extra layer of protection and can be especially important in certain settings or when illnesses are increasing in your community.

• Wearing masks
• Physical distancing
• Tests

You may not be aware of the things that can make others more vulnerable to serious illness. If you are unsure about the health condition or risk status of those around you, the most protective option is choosing to use these additional prevention strategies.

Key times for prevention

All of the prevention strategies described in this guidance can be helpful to reduce risk. They are especially helpful when:

• Respiratory viruses are causing a lot of illness in your community. One thing to remember, though, is that vaccines take time to work. It's best to get vaccinated before viruses start spreading in your community.
• You or the people around you were recently exposed to a respiratory virus, are sick, or are recovering.
• You or the people around you have risk factors for severe illness.

Click here for a helpful summary.