DOE Healthy and Safety

Rest can help you and your child get better sooner, and it helps prevent the spread of germs.

• Children with diarrhea should stay home until the diarrhea has stopped (stools are formed).
• Anyone with a fever should stay home until 24 hours after being fever free or until their doctor says it is okay to go back to school or daycare. They should stay home for at least 5 days if they are diagnosed with COVID-19.
• If your child is having difficulty breathing, call your doctor right away.
• If your child has symptoms of COVID-19, please see guidance(Open external link).
  • Get tested, if your child is positive, have them stay home and separate from others for at least 5 days, and talk to their health care provider about treatment. See more information on isolation(Open external link).

Please call your school or school nurse to let them know if your child has a confirmed diagnosis of an illness that can spread to others.

• Vaccines are the best way to prevent your child from getting many illnesses and spreading them to others.
• Many vaccines are required to attend school. Your child could be at risk for being sent home from school if they do not have the required vaccines.
• Additional vaccines such as those for COVID-19, influenza, and HPV are highly recommended to protect children and others.
  • To find a COVID-19 or flu vaccination site, visit vaccinefinder.nyc.gov.
  • Make sure your child gets the updated COVID-19 vaccines when they become available in the early fall, even if they have had COVID-19 or previously been vaccinated
• Please talk to your child’s health care provider if you have questions about vaccinations.
  • If your child does not have a provider, you can locate a clinic that administers vaccines at the Department of Health Immunization Clinics

If your child has a chronic condition, they may need to see their health care provider more often. The health care provider will manage your child’s condition with a treatment plan. This can reduce your child’s symptoms and lower the chance of an emergency room visit. Schools also offer services that can support an outside health care provider’s care. Learn about services at school for students with conditions like asthma, allergies, and diabetes.

If you don’t have a health care provider, call 311 or the 24-hour Contact Center for NYC Health and Hospitals (H+H) at 844-NYC-4NYC to be connected to care. Care is available in NYC regardless of immigration status or ability to pay. Find a Health Center(Open external link).