Did you know that teens and young adults are more likely than the average Vermonter to go to the emergency department for a heat illness? Protect yourself from the heat while working or playing outside. Drink plenty of water, or non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids. Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight. Seek relief in air-conditioned spaces or other cool and shady places. See more info- hot weather and health impacts
The National Weather Service is expecting unseasonably hot weather for the remainder of this week for most of the state, with temperatures forecast to reach the upper 80s in many locations. In Vermont, heat-related illnesses become more common when temperatures warm to 80°F and above, especially on sunny and humid days. During the spring and early summer, when our bodies are not acclimated to warmer weather, heat illnesses are even more common. While we adjust to warmer weather, it’s especially important to ease into outdoor activities, take frequent rest breaks, and drink plenty of fluids.
Populations most affected
Individuals who are generally at higher risk for heat-related health impacts include: older adults, young children, homeless people, outdoor workers and hobbyists, pregnant women, people who are overweight, those with chronic medical conditions, disabilities or mental illness, people using recreational drugs or alcohol, and those using certain prescription medications.
Children’s bodies generally warm up faster than adults, and children have less sweating capacity than adults, both of which put children at higher risk for heat illnesses. Hot temperatures in schools can also result in reduced concentration, impaired academic performance, an increase in behavioral issues, increased risk of asthma attacks, and other health problems.
The county rates are high in both Bennington in Windham for Covid positives, see the case dashboard. Learn more about
covid 19-protect yourselves and others.
Food Allergy Awareness Week- May 8- May 14th- Over 32 million Americans are living with potentially life-threatening food allergies. Learn more here- food allergies 101
Reminder on recent UPDATES- “As of April 4, 2022, and as public health conditions in Vermont relative to COVID-19 continue to improve, the Staff Assurance Testing and Test at Home programs will be discontinued in Vermont schools. With the conclusion of these testing programs, staff and student households may be reminded that they can make an appointment at a State of Vermont testing site to obtain up to eight rapid antigen tests (4 boxes) or one LAMP test per appointment for their use at home.
Per the Vermont Department of Health, school nurses should continue to conduct diagnostic testing in school using LAMP or antigen tests. Schools can also make take-home antigen tests available to students, staff and their households on an as-needed basis or at the clinical discretion of the school nurse, consistent with Health Department guidance.” AOE-Dan French
What does this update mean? Presumptive contact notification ended for cases in school. It is important to monitor symptoms at home. To help reduce the spread please:
Stay home when you are ill/ have a symptom(s) of illness. (Regardless if you test negative for Covid)
Additional Precautions: If you are a close contact, you might choose to take extra precautions such as wearing a mask, which helps protect you and the people around you from getting or spreading COVID-19.
Covid Testing for Symptoms at School: If your student becomes symptomatic at school they will be sent home but you do have the option of the nurse testing for COVID at school before pick up. Complete these two forms: Response Testing Consent Form and the result communication platform Simple Report- Twin Valley Schools - simplereport.gov/register/XNWE9
• Return to school post COVID-19 infection- A student or staff member may return to school after their 5 days of isolation if their symptoms have improved and they have been fever-free for 24+ hours without the use of medication
• Return to school after a non-COVID-19 related illness -A student or staff member may return to school if their symptoms have improved, and they have met school criteria for that illness (e.g., it has been more than 24 hours without fever, diarrhea, or vomiting).
• If a student does not attend school due to illness, their parent/guardian may access LAMP or rapid antigen tests by picking them up at school. The parent/guardian can perform 1 LAMP test or 2 antigen tests on the symptomatic student. Antigen tests should be taken as close to 24 hours apart as possible. These tests can also be used for testing symptomatic individuals, or close contacts in the home who may not be fully up to date with their vaccinations. Parents/guardians may contact a Primary Care Provider or state testing site to access PCR testing.
Here is guidance for those who test positive and those who are a close contact of someone who tests positive
WSWSU Guidelines of When to Keep Your Student Home
Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine
GET THE MOST PROTECTION WITH A BOOSTER SHOT!
NEW: Certain people may also receive a second booster dose at least four months after their first booster:
- People age 50 or older can receive a second booster of Pfizer or Moderna
- For people who are immunocompromised, those age 12 and older can receive a second booster of Pfizer and those 18 and older can receive a second booster of Pfizer or Moderna
- People who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and Johnson & Johnson booster can receive a second booster of Pfizer or Moderna
GET THE MOST PROTECTION WITH A BOOSTER SHOT!
We encourage you to get vaccinated through your healthcare provider, a pharmacy or anywhere you get other vaccines. The COVID-19 vaccine is still free at any location and widely available across the state, including second booster doses! Find a vaccine near you at Vaccines.gov.
SVMC Covid Resource center is offering vaccination/boosters as well:
982 Mansion Drive, Bennington, VT HOURS: TESTING | Mon. – Sat. 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. VACCINATIONS | Mon. - Sat. 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
You should get a booster if you are 12 or older and you received: (12-17 ages- Pfizer only)
your Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago or
your second dose of Moderna vaccine at least six months ago or
your second dose of Pfizer vaccine at least five months ago
See Frequently Asked Questions about boosters
Jollene Mahon, RN, BSN
School Nurse, SU Covid Coordinator
Pronouns:She/Her/Hers
Twin Valley Middle/High School
4299 VT RT 100
Whitingham, VT 05361
(802) 368-2880
Fax (802)368-7382
