Stay Healthy This Fall, KCPS

With cold and flu season upon us, KCPS has many resources for keeping your family healthy this fall. COVID, flu and RSV are all prevalent right now according to our health partners at Children’s Mercy Hospital. Remember, if your child is ill, please do not send them to school.

Here are some of the health resources available to our families:

• COVID-19 testing: KCPS students and staff can test for FREE at all schools or the Mattie Rhodes Center. Our testing is provided by Children’s Mercy. Sign up online today or ask your school nurse for more information.
   
• COVID-19 vaccines: COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective at preventing serious illness and hospitalization and easy to get. Updated COVID-19 boosters can provide additional protection against new variants and are available for children and adults 5 and older. Schedule a vaccine appointment at any major retail pharmacy or through the Kansas City, Missouri, Health Department.
   
• Flu vaccines: Children’s Mercy Hospital encourages everyone older than 6 months get a flu shot. Your insurance will pay for your flu shot. If your family is uninsured or underinsured, the Kansas City, Missouri, Health Department can help you obtain flu shots for low or no cost. Children’s Mercy Hospital has many flu resources on their website.
   
• School telehealth: KCPS families can now access no-cost telehealth services through Hazel Health. This is a good option if your child starts to feel sick at school. Hazel can help families with conditions like nausea, headaches, asthma concerns, rashes and other common childhood complains. Learn more and sign the online consent form today.

During the pandemic, we emphasized handwashing, social distancing and masking to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our schools. Continuing these practices will also help us stop the spread of other respiratory illnesses. Together, we can stay healthy this fall!