• Information on Meningococcal and HPV Disease

    Indiana law requires each year that parents/guardians be informed about “meningococcal disease and its vaccines” (IC 20-30-5-18).  This year we have new legislation regarding HPV or Human papillomavirus.

    Meningococcal disease is a dangerous disease that can strike children and youth.  The disease can progress rapidly and within hours of the first symptoms, may result in death or permanent disability including loss of hearing, brain damage and limb amputations.  Symptoms of meningococcal disease often resemble the flu and can include a fever, headache, nausea and stiff neck, making the disease difficult to diagnose.  The bacteria that cause meningococcal diseases are transmitted through air droplets and by direct contact with an infected person.  Fortunately, there is an immunization available and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine meningococcal immunizations at 11 to 12 years of age.  This immunization is commonly called Menactra.  If you do not have insurance, the Johnson County Health Department has this immunization available for free to anyone who is eleven to eighteen years old.  To obtain this immunization please call the Johnson County Health Department for an appointment at 346-4368, or speak with your health care provider. 

    Meningococcal Vaccines for Preteens and Teens 

     
    Human papillomavirus is the most common causative agent in cervical cancers and genital warts.  But it can also cause other disease processes.  This virus is spread through direct contact with an infected person.  Many times the infected person is unaware of this virus.  The CDC estimates that at least 50% of sexually active people catch HPV during their lifetime.  Of the approximately 6 million new cases of genital HPV in the United State every year, it is estimated 74% of them occur in 15 to 24-year-olds.  The CDC recommends immunizations for 9-year-old females.  This immunization is commonly called Gardasil. The Indiana State Department of Health has a free vaccine available for ages eleven to eighteen-year-old females at the Johnson County Health Department for individuals who have no insurance, are recipients of Hoosier Healthwise, are American Indian or Alaskan.  Please call the Johnson County Health Department for an appointment at 346-4368 or speak with your health care provider.
     
     
    Medications at School

    Recognizing that students today use several common non-prescribed medications to treat symptoms of minor aches and pains; the health services staff will have available some medications to dispense to students. In order to adhere to FCSC policy, parents will need to provide written permission for students to receive these medications.  Students are not allowed to carry medication with them at school unless the medication is for a life-threatening doctor diagnosed issue that has been verified with your school nurse.  If your child has a life-threatening diagnosis, please fill out the required medication forms so that your child may carry those medications with them.