Health Information

How often do I need to submit documentation of a physical exam?

The NYC Department of Health requires all children to submit documentation of a current physical exam on an annual basis. All forms need to be signed and dated by your physician and uploaded to your parent portal on Finalsite.

Is there a different form for camp and school?

No, it is the same form. For example, if you submit a form for summer camp with a June date, you do not need to submit any updates for school or camp until the following June.

Can international students submit medical records from another country?

Yes, however a certified translation is requested if the records are not in English. Please be advised that not all countries have the same requirements, so you may need to provide additional information. A New York licensed pediatrician can review these records and officially complete and sign the Annual Physical Exam Form once you’re in New York.

New York Immunization requirements are here.

My child’s immunization records are incomplete.

Immunization schedules are very specific as noted by the NYS Department of Health. If your child’s immunization records are incomplete, have your pediatrician submit a signed note stating when the remaining immunizations are scheduled. If there is a medical reason why immunizations are not complete, we need a letter from your physician certifying that a specific immunization is medically contraindicated for the child, based on established medical guidelines. The exemption must be documented on an approved form and reissued annually. Medical exemption forms are available upon request. Religious exceptions are not accepted.

Please explain vision, hearing & dental screenings.

Children are not required to see a vision, hearing specialist, or dentist to fulfill NYC requirements. If your pediatrician addresses vision, hearing, and dental on the main form with something simple such as “seems fine for age” or “grossly normal,” that is sufficient. If your child goes to the dentist or sees a specialist, a note from the doctor/dentist with the date of the visit is requested; we will add this to your child’s medical records.

What do I do if my child has food allergies?

Please alert your teachers about any food allergies or dietary restrictions your child may have. If your child has a serious allergy that requires an Epi-Pen or medical intervention, please request the “Allergies/Anaphylaxis Medication Administration Form” which must be filled out and signed by both the parents and physician. Please note, Smith Street Maternelle staff is not permitted to administer prescription medications to children, except for emergency medications such as epinephrine auto-injectors or glucagon with specific orders and written parental consent.

Are flu shots now required?

Yes, the NYC Department of Health now requires annual flu shots for children under 5 years old (ages 6 months to 59 months). Flu shots must be administered between July and December each school year.

Do we need to use the blank health form (CH205) SSM provides?

As long as we get all the required information, any form can be used. Many NYC pediatricians prefer to use their own forms.

Where do I upload the completed forms?

Medical Forms, Allergy Plans, Medical Exemption Requests, and Written Medical Consent Forms must be uploaded to your parent portal before the beginning of every school year (by September 1st).

NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Medical Requirements for School Entrants

All students entering a New York City School must provide a complete physical examination and all required immunizations:

1. PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS AND SCREENINGS: 
All children shall receive a complete, age-appropriate medical examination, including but not limited to:

• physical exam,

• development assessment and history,

• nutrition/allergy assessment,

• and if indicated, screening tests for dental, vision, and hearing.

NOTE:
All forms need to be SIGNED and DATED by your physician.

2. RECORDS: 
SSM will maintain medical records for all children and staff.

3. PERIODIC EXAMINATIONS: 
Children up to the age of 2 years are required to have a physical exam every 6 months. At 2 years and older, an annual exam is required.

4. IMMUNIZATION RECORDS:
According to NYC Public Health law 2164, all children shall be immunized.**

The following immunization requirements are mandated by law. Children must be excluded from school if they do not meet these requirements:

IMMUNIZATION & No. OF DOSES

DTap (diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis) OR DTP (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis)

4 doses

(Fourth dose at least 6 months after the third)

3 doses

IPV (inactivated poliovirus)

1 dose

MMR (measles-mumps-rubella)
(On or after the 1st birthday)

1–4 doses

HIB (Haemophilus influenzae type b)

3 doses

Hepatitis B3

1 dose

Varicella
(On or after 1st birthday)

1–4 doses

PCV (Pneumococcal conjugate)
(Number of doses based on age when first given)

1 dose

Flu Shot
Annually administered between July and December