School administrators are being reminded to use only the approved standardised student medical report form for all new registrations and support measures aimed at safeguarding the health and well-being of children.
The directive comes from the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information (MOESYI) in its latest bulletin, which says the standardised form, developed jointly with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) in 2020, remains the only approved document for the medical assessment of students entering schools.
The Ministry noted that some institutions have altered the clinical requirements of the form, a practice that is not permitted, and is urging schools to refrain from altering, removing or adding any clinical requirements.
While institutions may add their official logo or insignia to the document, the Ministry emphasised that its content and prescribed medical requirements must remain unchanged.
According to the Ministry, consistent use of the approved document is essential for maintaining reliable student health records and supporting national health surveillance and student welfare initiatives.
Additionally, school administrators are being called on to strengthen efforts to protect Jamaica’s immunisation programme by ensuring that students’ vaccination records are current.
The Ministry pointed out that Jamaica’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) has successfully eliminated diseases such as polio, measles and rubella locally. However, it warns that the country’s progress remains vulnerable because of the growing threat of imported vaccine-preventable diseases and gaps in vaccination coverage.
Schools are, therefore, encouraged to achieve and maintain at least 95 per cent vaccination coverage to support herd immunity.
Administrators are also being asked to verify that students’ immunisation records are up to date in keeping with the National Schedule, encourage parents and guardians to have children receive all recommended vaccines, and work closely with Parish Health Departments to facilitate school-based vaccination activities and other public health interventions.
The Ministry is also reminding school administrators to continue enforcing all applicable health clearance requirements for student entry and attendance in accordance with standardised guidelines and public health regulations.
