School Uniform: Parent Council

UPDATE ON DIARRHOEA AND VOMITING IN SCHOOLS

UPDATE ON DIARRHOEA AND VOMITING IN SCHOOLS

A number of schools across Lothian have reported an increase in pupils with vomiting and/or diarrhoea.  The symptoms are suggestive of viral gastroenteritis (also known as norovirus or winter vomiting disease) which is known to be currently circulating in the community.  It is usually a short lived self-limiting illness from which children and adults recover quickly.

Further information about norovirus and its prevention can be found at https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/norovirus

To minimise the likelihood of developing norovirus we recommend:

·         If your child develops vomiting and/or diarrhoea please ensure they remain off school until they have been symptom free for at least 48 hours.  This advice applies at all times.  So for instance if your child becomes unwell over the weekend they should not attend school on Monday even if by then they feel well.

·         Ensure that all members of your family wash their hands frequently using warm water and liquid soap, especially after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food.

Teenage Booster and Meningitis ACWY Vaccinations

Consent packs for vaccinations from NHS Lothian are out now for pupils in S3 (and in S4 – S6 who have not yet received their vaccinations). 

Every year, pupils in S3 are offered the Teenage booster  to complete their life long protection, through routine immunisations, against tetanus, diphtheria and polio.   Any pupils in S4 – S6 who have not yet received this vaccination will also be offered this.

In addition to the Teenage Booster vaccination, all S3 pupils are recommended to have a meningitis vaccine (ACWY).  This protects against several strains of meningitis.   Any pupils in S4 – S6 who have not yet received this vaccination will also be offered this.

Please ensure that consent forms are returned by 10^th December at the latest.