More than one million children in Big Apple public schools begin 2023-2024 school year next thursday 7 september, according to the official calendar published by the New York City Department of Education (DOE). The last day of classes will be June 26, 2024.
This new class period brings some news: For the first time since 2020, state officials, They haven’t offered special protocols About COVID-19.
In addition, although the state requires a minimum 180 days of studies, this year’s calendar has 182 days for students Since many holidays fall on weekends.
Students and teachers will be trained due to the experience of remote classes, snowy days or other weather emergencies To continue home education.
Officials said traditional vaccination plans for children remain in place, although vaccination against COVID-19 is not mandatory to return to the classroom. Parents and guardians are encouraged to talk with their medical providers about the benefits of these supplements.
It must be remembered that all minors in New York City Right to public school educationregardless of your immigration status.
He DOE employee You also won’t be able to ask about the immigration status of the family, and if it comes to your knowledge, You must keep the information confidential.
Have your vaccination certificate ready
This week, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) launched a new campaign to remind parents and guardians to make sure Stay up to date on routine vaccinations.
“As a parent, I love this time of year when we prepare to send our kids back to school. part of the preparation Annual health checkups with your child’s pediatrician and making sure your child is up to date on vaccinations, Parents, let’s do everything possible to keep them in class instead of at home sick,” recalled Dr. Ashwin Vasan, DOHMH Commissioner.
Specific vaccination requirements vary Age, grade and medical history of each student.
As per DOE guidelines, all students 2 months to 18 years of age They must receive certain vaccinations. This includes children attending Public, private or parochial school. And for those who go to daycare, pre-k or kindergarten.
The only students who do not need vaccination are those who demonstrate a condition Treatment. For vaccination requirements in New York, religious exemptions are not valid.
Those who attend nursery or school have to attend your vaccination certificate, before the start of the school year.
it is necessary
all the students Daycare system through 12th gradewould have been immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and hepatitis B.
children under 5 years old People who are enrolled in day care and Pre-K also need to get vaccinated against it. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and pneumococcal conjugate (PCV) dosage and influenza (flu) vaccine.
“Make sure your kids get their vaccines. Not only does this ensure they keep learning while in the classroom, but it also helps sustain our communities protected from potentially dangerous diseases“, Said David C. Banks, Chancellor of Education.
‘Eris’ and Back to School
According to the New York State Department of Health, it has been observed Increase in hospital admissions for COVID-19 this summerCompared to the peak of the pandemic, the figures are still very low.
While the state and city have not updated new protocols, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to provide operational guidance along with strategies for schools across the country. Help prevent any escalation in cases.
In general, everything indicates that the attitude towards the coronavirus in school communities in this new period, It would be similar to any common cold or flu, Strategies include staying up to date on vaccinations and staying home when sick.
Corona virus test has also been recommended, If a person feels flu-like symptoms.
“As we once again see a rise in COVID-19 cases in the state, I urge all New Yorkers to remember that it is a curable disease, Home tests are easy to use and very accurate. If the result is positive, talk with a health care provider about treatment. which can prevent hospitalization and death”explained Dr. James McDonald, State Health Commissioner.
A new variant, technically a sub-variant of Omicron Officially classified as EG.5 and colloquially referred to as “Eris”.has become the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the country and is classified as World Health Organization as a “type of interest”.
The subvariant may be more infectious than the previous mutation of the virus, but appears to be the case in most cases. It only causes mild illness.
Where to get vaccinations in NYC?
- If parents and guardians have any questions about pending vaccinations, they should speak with their physician. More information is available online at nyc.gov/studentvaccines or by calling 311.
- DOHMH immunization clinic appointments are available online for ages 4 and up.
- Caregivers can find available COVID vaccination sites at VaccineFinder.nyc.gov.