School Nurses & Staff

The Snohomish Health District provides guidance to schools related to illness reporting, including information about school absenteeism and reporting outbreaks and clusters of illness within a classroom or school.

Disease reporting requirements

In general, schools only need to report outbreaks of illness - not individual sick children -  to the Snohomish Health District. Defining what constitutes an outbreak can be difficult and will vary depending on the type of disease and protocols. Please refer to Washington State OSPI Infectious Disease Control Guide for more information. 

The Snohomish Health District also offers forms and resources for reporting outbreaks and illness:

• School absenteeism letter (PDF)
• School 10% absenteeism reporting form (PDF)

Resources for school nurses

Snohomish Health District has a public health nurse who advises school nurses, child cares, and preschools on immunizations for students and staff.

• Resources for Back to School Immunizations  
• Individual Vaccine Requirements Summary - Guidelines on Immunizations Required for Child Care/Preschool and School Entry in Washington State
• Disease cards (PDF) - facts and figures to help providers explain disease risks and vaccine benefits
• Disease card order form (PDF)
• Immunization Exemption-Brochure for Parents (English) (PDF)
• Understand the Disease...Recognize the Risk-Brochure for Parents (PDF)
  

Reporting flu and influenza-like illness

Influenza surveillance is conducted throughout Snohomish County and involves schools, healthcare providers, and long-term care facilities. See link below for updates of flu activity in Washington State. Use the School Absenteeism Reporting Form

• Washington State influenza update