A Word from the Nurse
The School nurse administers first aid only. She does not diagnose illnesses, but takes note of symptoms and notifies the parents of her observations. We ask that children be kept at home when ill. They should have a normal temperature for 24 hours after any illness before returning to school. This is important for the health of the child and for the health of all children at the school. Please keep your emergency phone number updated for our information.
About Elrod School Nurses
Jennifer Espinoza
Hello, I am Nurse Jennifer Espinoza, RN BSN I have been a pediatric nurse for the past 11 years. I am split between two campuses. My hours at Elrod are Monday and Tuesday 730a-315p extension 71809 and Braun Station Wed-Friday 730a-315p, extension 71559. Or you can email me at jennifer.espinoza@nisd.net with any questions or concerns. On the days that I am out of the clinic, we have Nurse Melissa Garza, LVN, in my place. Her email address is melissa.garza@nisd.net.
Contact Information
Name: Jennifer Espinoza
Elrod School Nurse on Monday and Tuesday
Phone: 210-397-1809, Email: jennifer.espinoza@nisd.net
Name: Melissa Garza
Elrod School Nurse on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Phone: 210-397-1809, Email: melissa.garza@nisd.net.
Medication Administration at School
For the protection of all students, NISD has very strict rules regarding medication to be given at school.
- Physician orders are needed for any medication dispensed at school. Medication administration forms are available in the school clinic or on the NISD website.
- Students are not allowed to carry with them any cold medications, cough drops, throat lozenges, vitamins or herbal remedies.
- All medication should be delivered to the clinic or to the office by an adult. Parents should report to the clinic any time they come to give their child medication at school.
- Parents are also responsible for picking up medications. For the safety of your child and other children, medications will not be sent home with the child.
Immunization Information
Some students may not have the requisite number of shots and not know it due to the state increasing the number of shots required at various grade levels. (Note: Hepatitis A is now required for all grade levels.)
Contact the Health Services Department at 210-397-3551 with questions.
Immunization Requirements for 2021-2022
DTP/DTaP/DT/TD/Tdap
Five doses are required for entry of kindergarten students unless the fourth dose was received on or after the 4th birthday. Doses are also required for students entering pre-kindergarten – school nurse will evaluate. Students age 7, starting their vaccine, are required to have three doses. One booster dose of a Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis-containing vaccine is required for entry into 7th grade if at least 5 years have passed since the last dose of a Tetanus-containing vaccine. Grades 8-12 require a booster dose of Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis-containing vaccine every 10 years.
Polio
Four doses of Polio vaccine are required for students in grades K-12 unless the third dose was received after the 4th birthday. Doses are also required for students entering pre-kindergarten – school nurse will evaluate. It can be any combination of OPV or IPV. Not required of 18-year old students.
Measles/Mumps/Rubella
Two doses are required. The first dose shall be administered on or after the 1st birthday. The second dose to be administered by age 5 or entry into kindergarten. One dose is required for pre-kindergarten.
HIB
Three doses of Haemophilus Influenza type B vaccine and a booster if given before the child is 15 months or one dose of vaccine if given after 15 months. HIB vaccine is given through 4 years of age and is required for students in pre-kindergarten.
Hepatitis Type A
Two doses of Hepatitis A are required for students in grades PK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. The second dose of Hepatitis A is administered six months after the administration of the first dose.
Hepatitis Type B
Three doses of Hepatitis B are required for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
Varicella (Chicken Pox)
Two doses of Varicella vaccine received on or after the 1st birthday are required for students in grades K through 12. If the student has had Varicella (Chicken Pox) illness, please request a form from the school nurse to validate the illness. One dose is required for students entering pre-kindergarten.
Pneumococcal (PCV7)
PCV7 is mandated for all students 3 through 4 years of age. The school nurse will evaluate the number of doses needed or if the student is complete to enter pre-kindergarten.
Menactra (Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine)
This vaccine protects students 11 years of age and older from Meningitis. One dose is required for students in grades 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.
For information on immunization exemptions, visit the Department of State Health Services website.