Entry Requirements: Immunizations, Physical Exams and tuberculosis screening

Immunizations
Physical Exams and TB testing
Where to obtain immunizations/physical
Entry requirements

As per Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 76, Section 15, all students entering Norwood Public Schools must provide a Physician's Certificate documenting that the child has been successfully immunized with all required vaccines. The state required vaccinations can be reviewed here:

Exceptions:

A student on a provider supervised “catch up” immunization plan, and current to that plan may be admitted to NPS. The student must continue on the plan until it is complete*
Blood tests showing immunity to specific diseases or a physician documented history of disease may replace *certain* vaccines. Please review here
Medical exemptions must be documented by a physician and submitted to the school nurse each year*
Religious exemptions must be documented in writing by parent/guardian and submitted to the school nurse each year*

*Un-immunized and under-immunized students, with or without a valid exemption, risk exclusion from school in the event of a case(s) of vaccine preventable illness at NPS. The School Nurse, Nurse Leader, Norwood Health Department and district administration would work together to take appropriate action.

Physical Exams and TB Testing

Documentation of a physical examination within one year of school entrance and every 3-4 years thereafter is also required by Massachusetts General Laws. NPS requires a PE completed within one year prior to entrance to school or 30 days after school entry and in grades K, 4, 7, and 11. A PE is also required yearly if participating in school sports. The physical exam must include:

TB risk assessment or, if deemed high risk, a TB test
a statement stating the student may or may not participate fully in the school program, including physical education and competitive sports. If not, restrictions must be listed
Vision screening (required for kindergarten entry only)
lead screening (LMPA and kindergarten only)

In most situations, the NPS will accept the Tuberculosis (TB) risk assessment /testing documented on the physical exam. If no risk assessment/testing is documented, or the School Nurse is aware of recent travel outside of the US, the School Nurse will run a TB risk assessment per Massachusetts guidelines and request testing as needed.

Where to obtain immunizations/physicals:

Your child’s primary care provider (PCP) is the first stop for immunizations and well child checks. If you need help locating a PCP, please contact your school nurse. Your nurse can help direct you to clinics that can help with uninsured students
Norwood Health Department offers the MMR vaccine (no insurance required)
Most pharmacies offer immunizations (insurance required)
NPS partners with Shaw’s Osco Pharmacy located at 95 Washington Street in Canton and offers community vaccination clinics periodically throughout the school year (insurance required)
Most Urgent Care facilities offer physicals. Contact your school nurse if you require a voucher for a free physical from ConvenientMD. Some Urgent Care facilities may offer immunizations but frequently require out of pocket payment
For further help, contact your School Nurse or nurse leader Tova Sperber at tsperber@norwood.k12.ma.us

Immunization and physical examination information may be mailed, scanned and emailed, dropped off in the school health office or faxed to the school nurse.

Entry Requirements

Please use the guidelines below to ensure that your child is fully immunized before the start of the school year. The state list of immunizations can be seen here