Nursing Section (New Haven Health Department)

  • School nurses in the New Haven Public Schools work under direct supervision of the New Haven Health Department. 

    If you are a parent who needs your child’s school medical records, please contact Mel Rodriguez- Nursing Section, Administrative Assistant, at 203-946-7301. 

     

    You can also click on link below to request a copy of your or your child's Immunization Record or Cumulative Health Record for school.  Please note, if you are a school requesting a child's cumulative health record, we will no longer be sending via postal mail.  Please provide a secure fax number. Requests will be processed within 7-10 business days.   

     

    LINK to request records:  https://veoci.com/v/p/form/bgc8n8rtt4pu 

     

    School Health Program

    The primary focus of school health is wellness, with the emphasis on preventive service and health promotion activities. The New Haven Department of Health, Nursing Section is delegated the responsibility for maintaining school nursing services by the Board of Education. The nursing Section provides health services to approximately 26,000 students in grades Pre-K through Grade 12 in both the public and non-public schools.
     
    The Nursing Section can be reached for any questions or concerns regarding school health, health requirements, or school nursing at 203-946-7301 or on the web at
    https://www.newhavenct.gov/government/departments-divisions/nhv-health/department-sections/public-health-nursing-services

    Role of the School Nurse

    The school nurse ensures that students are healthy enough to learn and minimizes the time lost in school due to illness or other prolonged disability. This is accomplished through proper assessment, referral and follow-up care, as well as appropriate communication with the student's health care provider. Often the school nurse is the only consistent health professional the student sees, allowing the nurse to advocate for students and helping them develop a healthy lifestyle.
     

    Physical Assessment Requirements

    Please be aware that your child will not be allowed to attend school without an up-to-date CT Health Assessment & Immunization record. New students to the district, Prek , Kindergarten, 7th & 10th graders MUST submit these documents before the start of the school year. 

     

    Please refer to letter - State Health Requirements for Students

     

    Immunizations Requirements 2024-2025 School Year

     

    Health Screenings

    New Haven Health Department provides free health screenings to students based on recommendations from the Connecticut State Department of Education. Students are screened for vision, hearing and postural problems in the following manner:

     

    Vision

    Vision screenings are done for the following grades: Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. The screening is performed using the Snellen Chart or equivalent.

    CDC - Basics of Vision and Eye Health

     

    Hearing

    Hearing screenings are done for the following grades: Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. The screening is performed using the Inventis Triangle Audiometer.

    CDC - Hearing Loss in Children

     

    Scoliosis

    Scoliosis screenings are done for the following grades: (female students) 5th and 7th and (male students) 9th. The scoliosis screening is performed by the school's registered nurse. 

    The National Scoliosis Foundation - Early Detection

    Scoliosis Screening Notice

     

    Pre-Kindergarten. An up-to-date physical exam must be entered on a State of Connecticut Health Assessment form dated within one year of the student's entry. Please use the following link to download and print a Connecticut state form https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SDE/School-Nursing/Forms/EC_HAR.pdf 

     Kindergarten. An up-to-date physical exam must be entered on a State of Connecticut Health Assessment form dated within one year of the student's entry. Please use the following link to download and print a Connecticut state form https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SDE/School-Nursing/Forms/HAR3.pdf New students, 7th and/or 10th graders are also required to have an updated physical exam and immunizations per Connecticut state law, dated within one year of the student's entry.  Please use the following link to download and print a Connecticut state form  https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SDE/School-Nursing/Forms/HAR3.pdf 

     

    These records must be submitted to the Nursing Section at the time of school registration for new students or no later than the first day of school for returning students.   

    Completed Physical Health Records and Immunizations can be uploaded or dropped off at The Nursing Section Office at 54 Meadow Street, 1st Floor, New haven, 06519.  

     

    Students who do not present these records will not be allowed to attend school.   

     

    Link to upload Physicals Health Record and Immunizations: 

    https://veoci.com/v/p/form/y2u7pv8eg8ju 

    Immunization Requirements 

    Connecticut state law requires all students to meet minimum immunization requirements for all enrolled students. Please note, as of April 26, 2021, Public Act No. 21-6 states Connecticut will no longer allow a religious exemption from childhood immunization requirements for schools. 

      

    Public Act No. 21-6: 

    https://www.cga.ct.gov/2021/ACT/PA/PDF/2021PA-00006-R00HB-06423-PA.PDF 

    Public Act No. 21-6 Q&A: 

    https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SDE/Digest/2020-21/CSDE-Guidance---Immunizations.pdf 

     

    The Nursing Section can be reached for any questions or concerns regarding school health, health requirements, or school nursing at 203-946-7301 or on the web athttps://www.newhavenct.gov/government/departments-divisions/nhv-health/department-sections/public-health-nursing-services

     

    Medications in School

     

    Medication cannot be given in school unless an Authorization for Administration of Medication form is filled out by your health care provider. Medication must be brought directly to the school nurse by an adult, with the original prescription label attached. Please do not send medications to school with your child or leave medications with school staff other than the school nurse. Medications must be reviewed by the school nurse BEFORE they can be administered in school. Please contact your child's school nurse, or the Bureau of Nursing Nursing Section at 203-946-7301 with any questions regarding medication policies.
     
    Special Health and Medical Needs for Students

     

    If your child requires medication for diabetes, seizures, allergies, asthma or another condition, please contact your school nurse to discuss an individualized healthcare plan. Please contact the Bureau of Nursing Nursing Section at 203-946-7301 before your child begins school. This will ensure that the school your child is attending has a nurse full time to care for your child or for other arrangements to be made. Thank you!

    Necesidades Especiales de Salud

     

    No todas las escuelas tienen la presencia de enfermeras a tiempo completo. Si su hijo(a) requiere de cuidados de salud especializados, o tiene una prescripción para Insulina, Glucagon o Diastat durante horas escolares, contacte a la Oficina de Enfermería del Departamento de Salud de New Haven al 203 946-7301 lo más pronto posible. ¡Gracias!

     

    Immunizations / CHR Request

     

    If you or your child attended school in New Haven and need a copy of Immunization records or to request a Cumulative Health Record for school, please fill out this form. Please note, if you are a school requesting a child's cumulative health record, we will no longer be sending via postal mail. Please provide a secure fax number. Requests will be processed within 7-10 business days.

     

    For forms, information and important updates, please visit
    https://www.newhavenct.gov/government/departments-divisions/nhv-health/department-sections/public-health-nursing-services