Student Health Services

Promoting student health, preventing disease, and fostering optimal well-being for focused learning and achieving full potential.

About

About Student Health Services

School nurses help students understand normal growth and development, promote health and safety, intervene with actual and potential health problems, and provide case management services.

We actively work with other members of the medical and educational teams to promote each student’s optimal level of physical, mental and social wellness and encourage success and achievement during and beyond the school setting.

We work with teachers, principals, parents and outside support staff to meet students’ medical and health needs by performing state-mandated screenings and maintaining immunization compliance and safety procedures set forth by the state.

School District Nurses:

  • provide medical care for student illnesses, injuries and emergencies
  • maintain health and immunization records on all students
  • perform state-mandated health screenings
  • administer doctor prescribed medications
  • perform nursing procedures
  • assist physicians and dentists with school examinations
  • provide health counseling and referrals
  • provide classroom instruction on health related topics
  • serve as a parent and classroom consultant in health related matters

The School District of Philadelphia has over 270 Certified School Nurses serving the public and nonpublic schools in the City of Philadelphia. If you wish to speak to a member of the health services department concerning your child, please contact the school nurse in your child’s school building.

Staff Resources

Immunizations & Physicals

Keep your child safe by staying up to date on their vaccinations. Learn More

Children's Dental Clinic

Learn More and Register for a FREE Cleaning!

Immunizations & Physicals

Required Immunizations & Physicals

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Vaccinated! Keep your child safe by staying up to date on their vaccinations. Pennsylvania law requires all students (K-12) be vaccinated while attending school. Students that DO NOT have the required vaccines may be EXCLUDED from school on or after September 23, 2024, until they have received the appropriate vaccines or an exemption form has been submitted to your school nurse. It’s the Rule, Don’t Miss Out on School

  • Submit an updated Immunization Record or Immunization Exemption Form to your school nurse.
  • Questions? Contact your school nurse or call (215) 400-4920.
Immunization Locations & Events

Where do I go for vaccinations or physicals, if my child is uninsured or doesn’t have a doctor?

City Health Centers: Philadelphia’s city health centers offer vaccinations to school-aged children, regardless of insurance. City health centers are operated by the Department of Public Health.

Federal Health Centers: There are also community Federally Qualified Health Centers available around Philadelphia. If you are uninsured, your student may be able to receive free or low-cost vaccinations. Health centers can also help you apply for affordable health insurance.

Sports Physicals

All students are required to fill out the following medical form (the “CIPPE”) before participating in any athletic competitions sponsored by the School District of Philadelphia:

PIAA Comprehensive Initial Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation (CIPPE)

Student Sports Physicals

Schedule an appointment today with one of our primary care providers for a physical and have your sports physical form completed, and all necessary screening tests or vaccines.

CALL 215-248-6833 to make an appointment

Learn more at merakeytotalhealth.org

3 Ways to Comply

  • Schedule your student a well visit with their doctor, to ensure receipt of the required vaccinations. Have your student’s doctor provide you with a Certificate of Immunization. CERTIFICATE OF IMMUNIZATION
  • Obtain a medical certificate signed by your student’s doctor, detailing the plan to complete vaccines on the appropriate schedule. MEDICAL PLAN
  • Submit an exemption form if your student is exempt from any immunizations for a medical, religious or philosophical/ strong moral reason. IMMUNIZATION EXEMPTION FORM

District Vaccine Guide

Select your language to download our vaccine guide.
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Immunization Requirements

For Attendance in All Grades (K – 12)
  • *Diphtheria, Tetanus, & acellular Pertussis (DTap) 5 doses
  • **Polio (IPV) 4 doses
  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) 2 doses
  • Hepatitis B (HepB) 3 doses
  • Varicella (VZV) 2 doses
For Attendance in 7th Grade
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, & acellular Pertussis (Tdap) 1 dose
  • Meningococcal Conjugate (MCV4) 1 dose
For Attendance in 12th Grade
  • ***Meningococcal Conjugate (MCV4) 2 doses

*DTap - Fifth dose is not needed if DTaP #4 was given after the 4th birthday
**Polio - Fourth dose is not needed if Polio #3 was given after 4th birthday
***MCV4 - Second dose is not needed if MCV4 #1 was given after 16th birthday

Dental Clinic

Children’s Dental Clinic

All K-12th grade District students are eligible to visit the clinic. Walk-ins Welcome.

Location

W.D. Kelley Elementary
1601 N 28th St, Philadelphia, PA 19121

Hours

Monday and Thursday 9am – 4pm

Services:

  • Dental Screenings
  • Checkups and Cleanings
  • Fluoride and Sealants
  • Fillings, Crowns, and Extractions Emergency Care
  • Oral Health Education
Call 215-707-0231 to Make an Appointment

Childrens dental clinic flyer
View the Flyer

Health Forms

Health Forms

Annual Student Emergency and Medical Information Form (S-865)

Annual Student Emergency and Medical Information Form (S-865): 

  • Must be filled out every year by parents or guardians
  • Gathers information about a child’s health history. This history can be vital in case of emergency or should the need for any type of medical treatment arise while a child is in school.
  • Allows the school nurse to administer Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen, or if needed Albuterol inhaler or EpiPen as prescribed by the School District’s medical Officer/pediatrician
    • Nurses cannot administer these medications without parental permission
Fill Out the Form

Commonly Requested Forms for Parents & Students

Additional Forms

Mandated Health Screenings

Mandated Health Screenings Performed in School

Keeping your child healthy is essential to their educational success. The School District of Philadelphia takes this responsibility very seriously. And, we acknowledge that we are best able to serve all students equally well when we establish strong working relationships with parents and the community.

The Pennsylvania Public School Code requires specific health screenings, based on grade level, to be provided for all students in Pennsylvania. These are considered screenings and are not to be a substitute for regular checkups with a pediatrician.

School nurses will perform the following health screenings:

  • Growth Screening (height and weight)-All grades K-12
  • Vision Screening –All grades K-12
  • Hearing Screening –Grades K, 1,2,3,7,11
  • Scoliosis Screening (curvature of the back)-Grade 6,7

Partner Health Care Services

In addition to the screenings provided by the school nurse, The School District of Philadelphia has partnered with various health care providers to provide services for children who may have a difficult time obtaining the services they need to reach their optimal health. These health care providers may offer services to your child during the school year through their school. Parents will be required to complete a written consent form prior to their child receiving services from any Health Care Provider working with the School District.

The School District will provide complete information to parents/guardians regarding the services being offered, schedule for services and a follow up report of the service provided. Please contact your school nurse if you have any concerns or questions regarding the Partner Health Care Services.

Promoting Adolescent Student Health

About the PASH Program

Promoting Adolescent Student Health (PASH) is a five-year grant that works to reduce youth risk behaviors that lead to unintended pregnancy, STIs, and HIV via three core strategies:

  • Sexual Health Education- Helps adolescents acquire the knowledge and skills to prevent HIV, STIs, and unintended pregnancy
  • Sexual Health Services- Increase students’ access to key preventive key Sexual Health Services
  • Safe and Supportive Environments – Focuses on factors within school and family environments that act as protective factors and reduce the risk of HIV, STIs, and unintended pregnancy.

Our mission is to empower and educate our community to make informed decisions about their sexual health and create a safe and supportive environment for all.

PASH provides access to evidence-based curriculum, technical assistance, workshops, and professional development to students, teachers, staff and parents on topics such as HIV/AIDS prevention, safer sex, LGBTQ+ support, healthy relationships, parent/child communication and peer mediation.

While any school in the District can request support from the PASH program, initiatives are focused on 17 Priority Schools – 16 high schools and 1 middle school.

View a List of Priority Schools

  • Academy of Palumbo
  • Ben Franklin High School
  • Roberto Clemente Middle School
  • Samuel Fels High School
  • Horace Furness High School
  • Philadelphia High School for Girls
  • Abraham Lincoln High School
  • Jules E Mastbaum Area Vocational High School
  • Martin Luther King Jr. High School
  • Motivation High School
  • Overbrook High School
  • Parkway Center City Middle College
  • Paul Robeson High School
  • Science Leadership Academy
  • South Philadelphia High School
  • The LINC
  • West Philadelphia High School

Health Resource Centers

The Health Resource Centers (HRCs) are part of the Sexual Health Services strategy of the PASH grant to increase student access to key preventive sexual health services, strengthen staff capacity and engage parents and community partners.

Services offered by the HRCs are free  and accessible to all students.

HRC Services include:
1. Counseling and education around abstinence, sexual and reproductive health, decision making, and sexuality.
2. Making available safer sex materials.
3. Screening for gonorrhea, chlamydia and pregnancy, as permitted by site.
4. Referrals to school and community-based resources,
including referrals to sexual and reproductive health care services and mental
and behavioral health services.

Visit one of the sites below for more information.

Have you recently visited an HRC? Select your language to rate your experience.
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Health Resource Center Locations

  • Bartram High School
  • Building 21
  • Central High School
  • Roberto Clemente Middle School
  • Crossroads Accelerated Academy
  • The Murrell Dobbins Career and Technical High School
  • Thomas A. Edison High School
  • Samuel Fels High School
  • Frankford High School
  • Furness High School
  • George Washington High School
  • Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center
  • The LINC
  • Martin Luther King High School
  • Jules E. Mastbaum High School
  • Northeast High School
  • Paul Robeson High School
  • South Philadelphia High School
  • Philadelphia High School for Girls
  • Philadelphia Learning Academy – South
  • Vaux High School
  • West Philadelphia High School

PASH Material Review Board

The School District of Philadelphia’s School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) is a group composed of parents of school district students, employees of the school district and individuals from health, social service and community-based organizations. This group advises the school district on various health topics in order to promote a coordinated school health program.

A subsection of the SHAC is the Materials Review Board. The Materials Review Board (MRB) is required to review and approve non-core related health materials including ALL sexual health related materials PRIOR to use with district students.

The MRB process is as follows:

  1. Submit ALL Sexual Health Related materials to the PASH Program via email: pash@philasd.org or in-person delivery: Central Office, Suite 374 – Student Health Services
  2. Materials will be submitted to the MRB queue.
  3. Submitted materials will be reviewed online and/or at the monthly SHAC meeting.
  4. Submitters will be notified of the outcome of the review.

The online review process, from submission to decision notification, is 21- 30 days. SHAC members reserve the right to request any materials be reviewed at a monthly SHAC meeting. Submitters also have the option to present their materials at a SHAC meeting, the length of this process is dependent on the date of the next scheduled meeting.

Step-by-step process: MRB Process

Link Text

What do I need to include in my submission?

  • A brief description of the organization/program
  • All documents submitted must be a Word document, PDF, or JPEG/PNG.
  • Any supplemental information for consideration, such as links, videos, etc.
  • Name, title, and phone number of contact person.

How many materials can I submit at one time?

Up to 6 submitted documents will be considered for online review each month.

How can I get involved with SHAC?

Email PASH@philasd.org

Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey (YRBSS)

As part of the Promoting Adolescent Student Health (PASH) grant, the Office of Research and Evaluation (ORE) administers the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) every other year.

The YRBS monitors six health behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of death, disability, and social problems among youth and adults:

1) behaviors that contribute to unintentional injuries and violence
2) tobacco use
3) alcohol and other drug use
4) sexual behaviors that contribute to unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease
5) unhealthy dietary behaviors; and
6) inadequate physical activity

The YRBS includes a nationally representative sample of 9th- through 12th-grade students and is conducted every two years, typically during the spring semester. The survey is completely anonymous and voluntary.

For more information, explore our selected resources below or visit the CDC’s YRBS site.

Resources for Students and Families

Coming Soon!

Staff Resources

Health Guidance for School Attendance

Health Guidance for School Attendance

Your child should attend school if they are generally healthy, well and able to participate in their usual day-to-day activities. To provide a healthy school environment for students, the following guidance has been prepared to assist families in making the best decision for their child’s health and school attendance.

  • If your child is not feeling well and you are uncertain about sending them to school, it is best to keep them home and observe them for worsening symptoms.
  • When you make the decision to keep your child home, notify the school secretary or nurse of their absence and what type of symptoms or illness they have.
  • Keep your child home until their symptoms are not present or have improved and they have no diarrhea, vomiting or fever (without taking fever-reducing medications) for at least 24 hours.
  • If your child’s symptoms are not improving or are getting worse, visit the doctor.
  • Once your child’s symptoms have improved or are no longer present and they have no diarrhea, vomiting or fever (without taking fever-reducing medications) for at least 24 hours they should return to school for in-person learning.

This is general guidance and school nurses may use clinical judgment to determine whether or not to exclude a student due to illness. This guidance does not cover all situations.

  • Bed Bugs – If a bedbug is found on a student, the parent/caregiver will be notified. The student’s clothes and belongings may be examined for bedbugs. Parents/caregivers should dry clothes in high heat or place them in a plastic bag to destroy the bugs. Students will not be excluded or dismissed early from school for bed bugs.
  • COVID-19 – Students may return to school when they are feeling well, symptoms are not present or have improved and are fever-free for 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medication. Wear a well-fitted mask 5 days after returning to school.
  • Colds/Flu/RSV – Students need to remain home if they have an excessive runny nose, excessive coughing, difficulty breathing, fever, or looks or acts very ill.
  • Diarrhea – If a student has diarrhea 2 times in a day, they should remain home until the diarrhea stops and there are no signs of illness. If the student wears diapers, they need to remain home until the diarrhea stops. (for those children without a known medical condition)
  • Ear Infection – Students who complain of ear pain should be evaluated by a doctor. Early treatment can help prevent damage to the ear which can result in hearing loss. Students will not be excluded or dismissed early unless with other concerning symptoms.
  • Eye Infection – Eye redness with drainage or watering of the eyes requires assessment by a doctor to determine the cause of the possible eye infection or eye injury. Students should be excluded if the eye is red/pink with white/yellow discharge. Students need to remain home until treated with medication for at least 24 hours or eyes are no longer red with discharge.
  • Fever – Students should be excluded from school if they have a fever (temperature at or above 100.4oF). Students may return to school when they are fever-free for 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medication.
  • Headache – Students can remain in school unless unable to participate or other concerning symptoms. Return to school when symptoms resolve. If severe headache with a stiff neck or vomiting, contact your doctor immediately for evaluation.
  • Head Lice – If a student has active head lice, the parent/caregiver will be notified. The student should be treated at home. Students will not be excluded or dismissed early from school for head lice. Head lice checks of students without symptoms are not required or recommended.
  • Rash – Students may remain at school unless rash has oozing/open areas that cannot be covered. Student needs to stay at home or be sent home if the rash is accompanied by a fever, behavior changes, feeling ill or severe itch. If student has been diagnosed with impetigo, scabies or ringworm, they may return to school once treatment is started.
  • School Injuries – The nurse or other school staff will assess the injury, administer first aid, and notify parents as soon as possible, as to the type and status of injury.
  • Serious Injuries and Surgeries – The school nurse is to be notified when a student has sustained a serious injury or has had surgery. A note from the doctor must describe any limitations or special needs when the student is cleared to return to school. Possible modifications to school schedule, physical activity, and mobility in the school should be evaluated.
  • Sore Throat/ Strep Throat – Student needs to stay home if they cannot swallow, have excessive drooling, difficulty breathing, fever or behavior change. Student needs to be treated with antibiotics for 24 hours before returning to school if there is a positive throat culture.
  • Stomachache – Students should be excluded with severe pain causing doubling over, crying, screaming, abdominal injury, diarrhea, vomiting, looks and acts ill. Students may return to school when pain resolves and/or is symptom free.
  • Vomiting – Students are to remain at home if they have vomited within the past 24 hours. For a student who has one occurrence of vomiting at school, they may remain at school if there are no other signs or symptoms of illness.

Source: Philadelphia Department of Public Health Yellow Book

Health Insurance Resources

Health Insurance Resources

Health Insurance and Benefits Resources

Student Health Services is partnering with Benephilly to provide free help to apply for health insurance and determine eligibility. Register for a benefits screening and application assistance appointment at 440 N. Broad

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Register for a benefits screening and application assistance appointment at John H. Webster Elementary (3400 Frankford Ave)

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Questions about public benefits to help with food, heat and utilities, and paying for college?

Benephilly provides free one-on-one help applying for public benefits. Parents/caregivers can go to a BenePhilly center located at the following community-based organizations. You can also learn more HERE.

Medicaid and CHIP - Signing up or renewing your child’s health insurance

Signing up or renewing your child’s health insurance

If you or anyone in your family gets health insurance through the state you must renew every year! Renewals are happening now.

To make sure you keep your Medicaid, Medical Assistance, or CHIP insurance:

  1. Update your information in Compass or call 1-877-395-8930 or 1-215-560-7226 for help.
  2.  3 ways to renew:
    • Look for your renewal forms in the mail and complete it
    • OR complete your renewal in Compass
    • OR call 1-866-550-4355 to renew by phone

If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, the state also offers free and low-cost health insurance options at www.pennie.com or chipcoverspakids.com if you have kids under age 19.

Help is available:

Register for Benefits Screening and Application Assistance!

Get FREE help to apply for health insurance.

Appointments at the District Office (440 N Broad) are available now! Register HERE to sign up. Find a Benephilly Center close to your home here.

Health & Safety Protocols

General Health & Safety Guidance

Stay up to date with all vaccines and immunizations

  • Vaccines are the best protection to prevent your child from getting sick and spreading disease to others
  • Certain vaccines are required to attend school (unless there is an approved exemption on file). In addition, other vaccines like the flu, COVID and HPV vaccine are recommended. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about vaccines.

Stay home when sick

  • Keep your child home until their symptoms are not present or have improved and they have no diarrhea, vomiting or fever (without taking fever-reducing medications) for at least 24 hours.
  • Talk to the school nurse and let them know your child is sick
    If your child has COVID symptoms, test your child and have them remain home until their symptoms are not present or have improved and they have no diarrhea, vomiting or fever for at least 24 hours. When your child returns to school they should wear a well-fitted mask for 5 days.
  • If your child’s symptoms are not improving or are getting worse, visit the doctor.
  • Consider wearing a well-fitted mask to prevent the spread of respiratory viral illnesses
  • Once your child’s symptoms have been improving or are no longer present AND they are fever free without fever reducing medications for at least 24 hours they should return to school for in-person learning.

Practice good hand hygiene

  • Wash hands often with soap and water, or hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds
  • Teach your child to cover their cough and sneezes with a tissue. If tissue is not available, cough into your elbow

Visit your primary care provider and dentist regularly

  • If you need a primary care provider, you can make an appointment at the city health centers by calling (215) 685-2933 or visit a federally qualified health center.
  • Some children with chronic medical conditions may need to visit the primary care provider more frequently. Your doctor will help manage your child’s medical condition to keep them healthy and decrease the need for emergency department visits.
  • Get a yearly physical and dental examination and give a copy of the records to the school nurse.
  • If you need help getting health insurance visit a Benephilly Center.
    • Almost all children in Philadelphia are eligible for health insurance
    • Health insurance makes it easier for your child to get the health care they need, and it helps with the cost of provider visits and prescribed medications.
    • The Benephilly benefits navigator is available to help families sign-up for health insurance in-person every Wednesday from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm at the Family Welcome Center at 440 North Broad Street. Walk-ins are welcome!

In general, the more prevention strategies you follow, the better protected you and others around you will be from getting sick.

Health & Safety Protocols

Updated COVID-19 Guidance

Effective April 1, 2024, the School District will no longer require a 5-day isolation period for those who test positive for COVID-19.

This shift to treating COVID-19 like other respiratory viral illnesses is in alignment with guidance from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH), and comes as the data in our region has shown greater immunity against the virus, with declining hospitalizations and deaths. That said, it is still important to be careful. Students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 should still take the following precautions:

  • Stay home if you have symptoms and remain home until are symptom-free and fever-free for at least 24 hours (without medication).
  • Wear a well-fitted mask for 5 days after their return to school.
  • Practice good hygiene – wash hands regularly with soap and water or hand sanitizer, and cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
  • Parents/guardians should notify the school or school nurse if their child tests positive for COVID-19 or is diagnosed with any contagious illness.

In the event of a school-wide or classroom outbreak, impacted students and families will continue to be notified.

Homebound Instruction

Homebound Instruction

Homebound Instruction provides students with some level of instructional services during a temporary period of absence so that when they return to school they will not fall behind in their class curriculum. Homebound Instruction is intended as a temporary accommodation to keep the student engaged in the school program. It is not intended, nor can it be construed, as a method of delivering the full curriculum.

This is a service the District may provide for a student

  • during a temporary period of excused absence
  • for up to three months

Note: if you are interested in homeschooling or other alternative options for students, visit HERE.

Homebound Instruction should be used as a last resort after all other options and /or alternative schedules (i.e. half-days, work packets, etc.) have been exhausted, and is not a replacement or substitute for school attendance.

  • All requests for Homebound Instruction are made through the student’s school nurse.
  • Students will receive grades from Homebound Instruction by a designated homebound teacher.
  • Grades should be submitted to the principal or assistant principal at the homebound student’s school.

Pregnant students are expected to abide by the School District of Philadelphia’s attendance policy.

  • If a pregnant student is unable to attend school for a certified medical reason (i.e. requires continuous bed rest, at risk for premature delivery, etc.) for more than four weeks, they are eligible to apply for Homebound Instruction.
  • Once the pregnant student delivers they are not considered automatically eligible for Homebound Instruction.

How to Apply

To apply for Homebound Instruction: 

  1. the student’s school Principal or Assistant Principal will refer all requests from parents/guardians, agencies or other responsible parties to the school nurse.
  2. The school nurse will provide the requestor with the Physician’s Referral form (SEC-137A), the Parent Agreement letter (MEH- 210) and will inform the parent/guardian of the Homebound Instruction approval process.
  3. A Homebound Coordinator will email the student’s principal and school nurse with the decision and,
    1. If approved, the number of hours allowed and end date of services.If the Homebound Instruction request is approved, and the student is in regular education, a CSAP team convenes to complete the “Education Plan for Homebound Instruction” (MEH-211), for the student. (See CSAP/IEP Team section).
    2. If the request is denied, the student must attend school, and will be marked as truant if he or she does not return to school.

The student’s school principal is responsible for selecting and assigning homebound teacher(s) to the student upon receipt of notification of approval of Homebound Instruction from the school nurse (Refer to the Teacher Identification section). The principal will also monitor the attendance, payroll procedures for the service.

What Does it Entail?

A Homebound Instruction schedule includes:

  • Two one-hour sessions weekly for K-8 students, and three one-hour sessions weekly for grades 9-12.
  • Graduating high school students carrying three or more major subjects may receive up to a total of five hours weekly.

Parent Resources

Parent Family Resources

Protect Your Family by Storing Medicine in Your Home Safely

In an effort to decrease the number of accidental deaths and near deaths in children due to drug ingestion, the Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS), in partnership with DBHIDS and the Health Department asks that parents/guardians keep opioids and all medicines locked away and out of reach of children.

Vaping: What are the Dangers & Resources

Most children and teens do not vape. However, 3 out of 10 high school students in Philadelphia have used a vape product at least once.

What is vaping? Vaping involves inhaling an aerosolized liquid that is produced by an electronic cigarette or vape device. The liquid can contain nicotine, flavors and harmful chemicals that can destroy the lungs. THC, CBD and other inhalable illegal substances can also be vaped.

What are the dangers of vaping? 

  • Harm the brain and affect mood, memory and learning – The nicotine and other substances, like THC (marijuana), that are found in vapes are addictive and can harm parts of the brain responsible for learning, memory and impulse control.
  • Addiction –  Vapes deliver a high-level of nicotine and can cause addiction.
  • Long-term lung damage and lung irritation – Vapes contain harmful chemicals, such as antifreeze that damage the lunch and can cause coughing, wheezing and trigger asthma symptoms.
  • Bad breath and dental issues
  • Burns – Vape devices that malfunctions can burn the mouth and hands

How can vaping affect my child’s mental health?
Vaping is detrimental to children’s mental health.

  • Vaping can cause:
    • Anxiety
    • Mood swings
    • Impulsivity
    • Learning difficulties

What do vape devices look like?
Vapes come in different shapes and sizes. They can look like pens, USB devices, school supplies, ear pod cases, and even toys. They are made to be easy to hide. You can find examples of vape devices here.

Can people, including students, vape in school?
NO, students, staff and visitors can not vape in school or around the school building. Students can not bring vapes or vape products to school. It is illegal for vape and vape products to be sold to anyone under age 21.

What help is available for children and teens who have a problem with vaping or are addicted to vapes?
Talk to your child’s doctor about your concern. If your child does not have a doctor they can be seen at a community clinic. School counselors can also refer students to mental health specialists and other community mental health resources. There are also teen-specific quitlines and apps to help stop vaping. You can find additional resources below.

  • Teen SmokeFree.gov
  • SmokefreeTXT for Teens
  • Download the quitSTART app: quitSTART is a free smartphone app for teens who want to quit smoking. This app takes the information you provide about your smoking history and gives you tailored tips, inspiration, and challenges to help you become smokefree and live a healthier life.
    quitSTARTapp: download from the Apple Store or Google Play.
  • 1-800-QUIT-NOW: connects teens to their state quitline where they can get free and confidential support from a quit coach and get connected to additional resources. Learn more at CDC.gov/Quitline.
  • Talk About Vaping Guide for Families: A guide from the American Lung Association on how to talk to your child about vaping.

How do I report a store that is illegally selling vape and vape products to children and teens?
To report a store in Philadelphia for selling tobacco to minors, you can:

  • Call 1 (888) 99-SMOKE (1-888-99-76653)
  • Text “Smoke” to 474747
  • Report the business online at Smoke Free Philly


Ever wonder what is in a vape? This teen-anchored news segment explores the harmful products that are in vapes and how vapes look.


How Bad is Vaping for Teens? This video from the American Academy of Pediatrics discusses why teens vape, the impact of vaping on teens and why teens should not start vaping.

Health Forums

Past Virtual Health Forums

Wellness Centers

Accessible Care for Students

School-Based Wellness Centers (SBWCs) provide students with essential physical, behavioral, and preventive care directly in schools. These centers enhance—not replace—services from primary care providers and school nurses, improving health and educational outcomes through trusted school-health partnerships.

What services are offered by SBWCs?

  • Sports and mandated school physical exams
  • Chronic disease management
  • Behavioral health screening, intervention, and referral
  • Evaluation and treatment of illness and injuries
  • Sexual health care
  • Mandated and recommended immunizations
  • Nutrition and health literacy education
  • Public benefits navigation
  • Some even provide dental care!

Why do our students need SBWCs?

According to the most recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) of Philadelphia high school students:

  • 34% of students reported that their physical health was not good.
  • 28% of students reported that their mental health was not good.
  • 40% of school administrators reported that chronic illness was a moderate or great challenge to student learning.
  • 45% of students reported feeling sad or hopeless almost every day for two or more weeks in the 12 months preceding the survey–a nearly 50% increase compared to the 2017 PYRBS report.
  • Almost 14% of students reported suicide attempts, with a much higher rate of 25% for students identifying as gay, bisexual, or lesbian.
Of District students who responded to the 2022-2023 Philly School Experience Survey, more than 50% reported feeling too stressed or anxious to focus on schoolwork.

How do SBWCs impact students?

Students who use SBWC services are less likely to:

  • Be late to or absent from school
  • Have interruptions in learning due to acute or chronic illness
  • Have unprotected sex and engage in other high risk behaviors
  • Drop out before graduation
  • Visit the emergency room for minor problems

And are more likely to: 

  • Stay up to date with preventive care and school-mandated immunizations
  • Keep their chronic illnesses under control
  • Receive care for their behavioral health needs
  • Stay engaged in school and learning

Contact Us

Contact Us

School Nurse work hours are the same as their school. School hours are listed on each school’s website. School websites can be found in the School Directory.

The best way for families to contact their student’s School Nurse is to email them. Click Here to find your school’s nurse.

Program staff can be reached between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm

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