School health
School health programs provide immunizations, health and referral information to school-aged children, staff and parents. Nurses also provide referrals for a variety of assessments such as dental, auditory, speech, nutrition and mental health. Individual health consultations are provided by a nurse.
Services
Public health information
A Public Health Nurse from your local health unit is assigned to each school. The Public Health Nurse provides educational health and safety resources, immunizations and communicable disease control.
Find your local public health unit
Routine vaccinations
The school immunization program protects as many children as possible against vaccine-preventable diseases. We immunize at the earliest appropriate age and give booster vaccines as needed.
Learn more at immunizebc.caWhere to get immunizations
If your child is not yet fully immunized, immunizations are available at your local public health unit, some family doctors or select local pharmacies. Learn more about public health Immunization Clinics.
Immunization records
Providing immunization records to public health helps us respond quickly to outbreaks in schools and helps everyone get back to learning as soon as possible. Since 2019, the collection of immunization information for school age students is also required by law. Please provide your child’s immunization record when registering at your school or use the online school immunization reporting form.
Childhood diseases
What to do when your child is sick
Students who are exhibiting symptoms of illness, including respiratory and gastrointestinal illness, should stay home until they are well enough to participate in regular activities. Those who are vomiting or have diarrhea should be symptom-free for at least 24 hours before returning to school. For up-to-date information on childhood infections, visit sneezesdiseases.com.
Common childhood diseases
The quick guide to common childhood diseases from the BCCDC provides schools, caregivers and parents information about communicable diseases commonly experienced by young children.
Management of medical conditions in schools
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School Health Medical Management online course
School personnel are encouraged to complete the VCH School Health Medical Management online course on an annual basis
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Seizure, anaphylaxis and diabetes
Government of BC – Safe and healthy schools
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Asthma
Child Health BC
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Generic Emergency Action Plan Sample
Internal network access required
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School health promotion action guides
Find ideas to promote health for students within your school in the health promotion action guides. Each guide includes tips, resources and more information on how VCH can support.
Body Image & Disordered Eating
Resources for school staff and community members to support children and youth who have concerns around body image and disordered eating:
