Skip to main content

Popular Links

  1. Departments
  2. Student Health and Safety
  3. Student Health Services

Student Health Services

Student Health Services

Our Mission

The Amarillo ISD Student Health Services Department's mission is to provide a safe and healthy environment in which students have the optimum opportunity to benefit from education and attain their maximum potential. Our school nurses collaborate with the Texas Department of State Health Services and the City of Amarillo Department of Public Health to provide specialized health care while maintaining state mandated health regulation compliance. We also implement strategies to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses and address potential health issues.

Kim Franks  |  Program Director, Student Health Services
(806) 326-1330

Department Resources for Students, Parents and Staff

Student Health Forms & Files

View the Allergy, Asthma, Seizure Action Plans in English (Opens in new window).​​​​​​​

View the Allergy, Asthma, Seizure Action Plans in Spanish (Opens in new window).

Files inside the Google folder:

  • Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan
  • Asthma Action Plan
  • Seizure Action Plan

Bacterial Meningitis

The following information on Bacterial Meningitis is for information only and does NOT indicate an outbreak in our area. The Texas Legislature recently passed SB 31, which requires that a school district provide information relating to bacterial meningitis to all students and their parents each school year.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. Viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria can cause meningitis. Someone with meningitis will become very ill. The illness may develop over one or two days, but it can also rapidly progress in a matter of hours. Not everyone with meningitis will have the same symptoms. Children (over 1 year old) and adults with meningitis may have:

  1. Severe headache
  2. High temperature
  3. Vomiting
  4. Sensitivity to bright lights
  5. Neck stiffness, joint pains
  6. Drowsiness or confusion

 

If diagnosed early and treated promptly, the majority of people make a complete recovery. In some cases it can be fatal or a person may be left with a permanent disability, such as deafness, blindness, amputations or brain damage (resulting in mental retardation or paralysis) even with prompt treatment.

Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as such diseases as the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been. The germs live naturally in the back of our noses and throats, but they do not live for long outside the body. They are spread when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing; sharing drinking containers, utensils, or cigarettes). The germ does not cause meningitis in most people. Instead, most people become carriers of the germ for days, weeks or even months. Being a carrier helps to stimulate your body's natural defense system. The bacteria rarely overcomes the body's immune system to cause meningitis or another serious illness.

Bacterial meningitis can be prevented by not sharing food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes. A vaccine is available that can prevent certain types of meningitis caused by meningococcal bacteria. This vaccine is recommended by some groups for college students, particularly freshmen living in dorms or residence halls. The vaccine is safe and effective (85%-90%). It can cause mild side effects, such as redness and pain at the injection site lasting up to two days. Immunity develops within 7 to 10 days after the vaccine is given and lasts for up to 5 years. For additional information, contact your school nurse, family doctor, or the staff at your local or regional health department.

Visit the Texas Health and Human Services web page (Opens in new window) for Diseases & Conditions for information, including data and resources to help keep texans safe, healthy, and informed.

Head Lice

Head lice in school-aged children are common in the United States, and all socio-economic groups are affected. A head louse is a tiny, wingless insect that can attach to a person’s hair. They do not fly or jump, and they do not spread disease. The eggs (nits) are seen more commonly than lice in children’s hair.  Head lice are most commonly spread by head-to-head contact.  

Treatment with an approved head lice product is necessary to get rid of nits/head lice from your child’s hair.

Treatment: 

  • Contact your physician or pharmacist for an FDA approved head lice product. Head lice shampoo may be purchased over-the-counter or by prescription.
  • Follow the directions on the product label to ensure that the treatment works correctly.
  • Remove as many nits as possible. Comb out the nits after treatment. Use a fine-tooth comb that comes with the head lice product.
  • Once a family member is identified with head lice, all household members should be checked.
  • Some products recommend a second treatment in 7 to 10 days. Follow the product instructions carefully, and only repeat the second treatment as directed by the product or your physician.
  • Launder clothing and all bed linens in hot water. Dry cleaning kills lice and their nits if clothing cannot be washed.
  • You can also seal clothing, stuffed toys, pillows, blankets, non-washable items, or other small soft items for two weeks in a tightly closed plastic bag.(Remember to keep all plastic bags out of the reach of young children.)
  • Vacuum or sweep carpets, upholstered furniture, and mattresses thoroughly.
  • Do not use a pesticide spray for your home. It is not necessary and can be harmful to children.
  • Soak combs and brushes in some of the lice shampoo for 1 hour; or in very hot water for 5-10 minutes.

Teach your child not to share combs, brushes, hats, ribbons, and other personal items with other children.  Periodically, check your child’s hair for signs of head lice.  Please be aware that hair length does not influence infestation; therefore, there is no need to cut the hair.

Your child should not miss one day of school due to nits or lice. We ask that your child return to school the following school day, after treatment. Nits/head lice are not considered to be a communicable disease, but if a chronic, untreated infestation persists, your child may be sent home from school until treated. The school nurse/health clerk may check your child after treatment in order to assist you in managing head lice.

If you have questions, and if we can be of assistance, feel free to contact your school nurse.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provides useful information at the following links:

Immunization Clinics

Walk‐In Immunization Clinics: Potter and Randall Counties    

  • Bring a current shot record
  • Verify if your insurance does or does not cover vaccines
  • Call ahead to ensure vaccine inventory and professional staff availability
  • Age restrictions may apply at some locations
  • Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
  • This is not an inclusive list. Please contact any pharmacy or your primary physician with questions.


City of Amarillo Department of Public Health
850 Martin Rd., 806-378‐6300
Call for Back to School Hours
Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Extended hours: 1st Tuesday of each month 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cost for children: $14.85 for each shot, up to a max of $30. No eligible patient will be turned away due to inability to pay.
Children: Medicaid, no insurance, underinsured, Native American, Alaskan American. *Must have current shot record.
Adults: immunizations $14.85 each. No insurance, Medicaid, underinsured. *Shot record preferred but not a must.
TB tests are $15.

Heal the City
609 S. Carolina, 806-231-0364
Walk-in Immunization Clinic, every Monday 4:30-7 p.m.
Call for Back to School event

CVS Pharmacy
3340 S. Western, 806-358-3388
317 E. Amarillo Blvd., 806-374-0581
2012 S. Washington, 806-379-6191
7301 Hillside Rd, 806-677-0452
8201 I-40 Frontage Rd (inside Target store), 806-356-9270, limited hours

South Park Pharmacy
5901 S. Bell STE C32, 806-358‐2428
Walk‐in clinic: Monday‐Friday 9 a.m.‐6 p.m., Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-2 p.m.
Does not take patients under the age of 4.
All patients must bring a current shot record.

United Supermarkets Pharmacy
No shots administered without a prescription for ages 14 and under.
5601 Amarillo Blvd W (Tascosa Rd), 806-352-6650, Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 1-6 p.m.
5807 SW 45th, 806-353-7201, opened 24/7
3552 S. Soncy, 806-467-6815, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 1-6 p.m.
2530 S. Georgia, 806-468-9911, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.,  Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 1-6 p.m.
3300 I-40 East (Amigos), 806-373-8722, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m.-6 p.m.
4701 S Washington, 806-373-3341, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
1501 E Amarillo Blvd, 806-373-7057, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
3400 River Road, 806-383-3345, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Flu shots available for 7 years of age and above while supplies last. For more information, call one of the United Pharmacies listed above.

Walgreens Pharmacy
Walgreens Pharmacy administers applicable immunizations for children 7 years or older. Children 3 years or older can receive a flu vaccine from Healthcare Clinic.
801 N. Fillmore, 806-371-8116
5709 W. Amarillo Blvd., 806-355-7209
3320 Bell St, 806-468-6150
2601 S. Georgia, 806-468-8616
2205 E 34th, 806-373-1452
4504 S Western, 806-353-1371
5921 Hillside Rd, 806-463-1057


Other pharmacies provide vaccines. The cost varies. Please call in advance for clinic times and prices.

Immunization Requirements and Information

Visit the Immunizations --> School and Childcare section of the Texas Department of State Health Services website for the latest information on immunization requirements, exemptions, and more.

Influenza

Visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Influenze web page (Opens in new window) to learn about identifying flu symptoms, how the diagnosis works, common complications and more.

Medication Policy

All prescription medications must be kept in the health room and registered with the health services staff. Medication will be administered by the school nurse, health clerk, or other staff members who are designated by the school Superintendent. The training and competency of the unlicensed person administering the medication will be verified
by the Registered Nurse.

 

Guidelines for taking prescription medications are listed below:

1. Prescription drugs must be in the original pharmacy container and properly labeled from a registered pharmacist licensed to practice in the state of Texas with the student’s name, current date, dose to be given, time to be given, and medication route to be administered. A written request signed and dated by the parent and the physician or other person with prescribing authority in Texas (MD, DO, APRN, PA, podiatrist, dentist) must also be included. The parent request must be updated and on file at the beginning of each school year or when the student is prescribed the medication. Any medication that has expired will not be given at school.

2. Over-the-counter medications must be in the original container. This medication must be properly labeled, as stated above, and accompanied by a written request signed and dated by a licensed physician and parent. School nurses will not administer non-FDA approved products, herbal/dietary products, medications purchased in foreign countries, or non-traditional preparations.

3. Students will not be allowed to carry medications on them except for emergency medications allowed by Texas state law: an inhaler, EpiPen, or insulin. A written statement from a physician and parent/guardian allowing the student to carry and self-administer the medicine while on school property or at a school-related event is required. The physician’s order and written parent permission must be on file in the student’s medical records. Additionally, the student has demonstrated to the school nurse the skill level necessary to self-administer the prescription medication, including the use of any device required to administer the medication.

4. Sample medication given to you by a physician must be accompanied by a written prescription from the licensed physician, a written parent request, and on file in the student’s medical records.

5. Medications that have not been picked up from the school clinic before the end of the school year will be properly dispose of.

 

Medication Policy and Consent Forms

Medication Policy and Consent Form – Prescription Medication

Medication Policy and Consent Form – Non-Prescription/Over-The-Counter Medication

  • Student Health Forms & Files

    View the Allergy, Asthma, Seizure Action Plans in English (Opens in new window).​​​​​​​

    View the Allergy, Asthma, Seizure Action Plans in Spanish (Opens in new window).

    Files inside the Google folder:

    • Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan
    • Asthma Action Plan
    • Seizure Action Plan

  • Bacterial Meningitis

    The following information on Bacterial Meningitis is for information only and does NOT indicate an outbreak in our area. The Texas Legislature recently passed SB 31, which requires that a school district provide information relating to bacterial meningitis to all students and their parents each school year.

    Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. Viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria can cause meningitis. Someone with meningitis will become very ill. The illness may develop over one or two days, but it can also rapidly progress in a matter of hours. Not everyone with meningitis will have the same symptoms. Children (over 1 year old) and adults with meningitis may have:

    1. Severe headache
    2. High temperature
    3. Vomiting
    4. Sensitivity to bright lights
    5. Neck stiffness, joint pains
    6. Drowsiness or confusion

     

    If diagnosed early and treated promptly, the majority of people make a complete recovery. In some cases it can be fatal or a person may be left with a permanent disability, such as deafness, blindness, amputations or brain damage (resulting in mental retardation or paralysis) even with prompt treatment.

    Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as such diseases as the common cold or the flu, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been. The germs live naturally in the back of our noses and throats, but they do not live for long outside the body. They are spread when people exchange saliva (such as by kissing; sharing drinking containers, utensils, or cigarettes). The germ does not cause meningitis in most people. Instead, most people become carriers of the germ for days, weeks or even months. Being a carrier helps to stimulate your body's natural defense system. The bacteria rarely overcomes the body's immune system to cause meningitis or another serious illness.

    Bacterial meningitis can be prevented by not sharing food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes. A vaccine is available that can prevent certain types of meningitis caused by meningococcal bacteria. This vaccine is recommended by some groups for college students, particularly freshmen living in dorms or residence halls. The vaccine is safe and effective (85%-90%). It can cause mild side effects, such as redness and pain at the injection site lasting up to two days. Immunity develops within 7 to 10 days after the vaccine is given and lasts for up to 5 years. For additional information, contact your school nurse, family doctor, or the staff at your local or regional health department.

  • Visit the Texas Health and Human Services web page (Opens in new window) for Diseases & Conditions for information, including data and resources to help keep texans safe, healthy, and informed.

  • Head Lice

    Head lice in school-aged children are common in the United States, and all socio-economic groups are affected. A head louse is a tiny, wingless insect that can attach to a person’s hair. They do not fly or jump, and they do not spread disease. The eggs (nits) are seen more commonly than lice in children’s hair.  Head lice are most commonly spread by head-to-head contact.  

    Treatment with an approved head lice product is necessary to get rid of nits/head lice from your child’s hair.

    Treatment: 

    • Contact your physician or pharmacist for an FDA approved head lice product. Head lice shampoo may be purchased over-the-counter or by prescription.
    • Follow the directions on the product label to ensure that the treatment works correctly.
    • Remove as many nits as possible. Comb out the nits after treatment. Use a fine-tooth comb that comes with the head lice product.
    • Once a family member is identified with head lice, all household members should be checked.
    • Some products recommend a second treatment in 7 to 10 days. Follow the product instructions carefully, and only repeat the second treatment as directed by the product or your physician.
    • Launder clothing and all bed linens in hot water. Dry cleaning kills lice and their nits if clothing cannot be washed.
    • You can also seal clothing, stuffed toys, pillows, blankets, non-washable items, or other small soft items for two weeks in a tightly closed plastic bag.(Remember to keep all plastic bags out of the reach of young children.)
    • Vacuum or sweep carpets, upholstered furniture, and mattresses thoroughly.
    • Do not use a pesticide spray for your home. It is not necessary and can be harmful to children.
    • Soak combs and brushes in some of the lice shampoo for 1 hour; or in very hot water for 5-10 minutes.

    Teach your child not to share combs, brushes, hats, ribbons, and other personal items with other children.  Periodically, check your child’s hair for signs of head lice.  Please be aware that hair length does not influence infestation; therefore, there is no need to cut the hair.

    Your child should not miss one day of school due to nits or lice. We ask that your child return to school the following school day, after treatment. Nits/head lice are not considered to be a communicable disease, but if a chronic, untreated infestation persists, your child may be sent home from school until treated. The school nurse/health clerk may check your child after treatment in order to assist you in managing head lice.

    If you have questions, and if we can be of assistance, feel free to contact your school nurse.

    The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provides useful information at the following links:

  • Immunization Clinics

    Walk‐In Immunization Clinics: Potter and Randall Counties    

    • Bring a current shot record
    • Verify if your insurance does or does not cover vaccines
    • Call ahead to ensure vaccine inventory and professional staff availability
    • Age restrictions may apply at some locations
    • Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
    • This is not an inclusive list. Please contact any pharmacy or your primary physician with questions.


    City of Amarillo Department of Public Health
    850 Martin Rd., 806-378‐6300
    Call for Back to School Hours
    Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
    Extended hours: 1st Tuesday of each month 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
    Cost for children: $14.85 for each shot, up to a max of $30. No eligible patient will be turned away due to inability to pay.
    Children: Medicaid, no insurance, underinsured, Native American, Alaskan American. *Must have current shot record.
    Adults: immunizations $14.85 each. No insurance, Medicaid, underinsured. *Shot record preferred but not a must.
    TB tests are $15.

    Heal the City
    609 S. Carolina, 806-231-0364
    Walk-in Immunization Clinic, every Monday 4:30-7 p.m.
    Call for Back to School event

    CVS Pharmacy
    3340 S. Western, 806-358-3388
    317 E. Amarillo Blvd., 806-374-0581
    2012 S. Washington, 806-379-6191
    7301 Hillside Rd, 806-677-0452
    8201 I-40 Frontage Rd (inside Target store), 806-356-9270, limited hours

    South Park Pharmacy
    5901 S. Bell STE C32, 806-358‐2428
    Walk‐in clinic: Monday‐Friday 9 a.m.‐6 p.m., Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-2 p.m.
    Does not take patients under the age of 4.
    All patients must bring a current shot record.

    United Supermarkets Pharmacy
    No shots administered without a prescription for ages 14 and under.
    5601 Amarillo Blvd W (Tascosa Rd), 806-352-6650, Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 1-6 p.m.
    5807 SW 45th, 806-353-7201, opened 24/7
    3552 S. Soncy, 806-467-6815, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 1-6 p.m.
    2530 S. Georgia, 806-468-9911, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.,  Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 1-6 p.m.
    3300 I-40 East (Amigos), 806-373-8722, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m.-6 p.m.
    4701 S Washington, 806-373-3341, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
    1501 E Amarillo Blvd, 806-373-7057, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
    3400 River Road, 806-383-3345, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

    Flu shots available for 7 years of age and above while supplies last. For more information, call one of the United Pharmacies listed above.

    Walgreens Pharmacy
    Walgreens Pharmacy administers applicable immunizations for children 7 years or older. Children 3 years or older can receive a flu vaccine from Healthcare Clinic.
    801 N. Fillmore, 806-371-8116
    5709 W. Amarillo Blvd., 806-355-7209
    3320 Bell St, 806-468-6150
    2601 S. Georgia, 806-468-8616
    2205 E 34th, 806-373-1452
    4504 S Western, 806-353-1371
    5921 Hillside Rd, 806-463-1057


    Other pharmacies provide vaccines. The cost varies. Please call in advance for clinic times and prices.

  • Immunization Requirements and Information

    Visit the Immunizations --> School and Childcare section of the Texas Department of State Health Services website for the latest information on immunization requirements, exemptions, and more.

  • Influenza

    Visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Influenze web page (Opens in new window) to learn about identifying flu symptoms, how the diagnosis works, common complications and more.

  • Medication Policy

    All prescription medications must be kept in the health room and registered with the health services staff. Medication will be administered by the school nurse, health clerk, or other staff members who are designated by the school Superintendent. The training and competency of the unlicensed person administering the medication will be verified
    by the Registered Nurse.

     

    Guidelines for taking prescription medications are listed below:

    1. Prescription drugs must be in the original pharmacy container and properly labeled from a registered pharmacist licensed to practice in the state of Texas with the student’s name, current date, dose to be given, time to be given, and medication route to be administered. A written request signed and dated by the parent and the physician or other person with prescribing authority in Texas (MD, DO, APRN, PA, podiatrist, dentist) must also be included. The parent request must be updated and on file at the beginning of each school year or when the student is prescribed the medication. Any medication that has expired will not be given at school.

    2. Over-the-counter medications must be in the original container. This medication must be properly labeled, as stated above, and accompanied by a written request signed and dated by a licensed physician and parent. School nurses will not administer non-FDA approved products, herbal/dietary products, medications purchased in foreign countries, or non-traditional preparations.

    3. Students will not be allowed to carry medications on them except for emergency medications allowed by Texas state law: an inhaler, EpiPen, or insulin. A written statement from a physician and parent/guardian allowing the student to carry and self-administer the medicine while on school property or at a school-related event is required. The physician’s order and written parent permission must be on file in the student’s medical records. Additionally, the student has demonstrated to the school nurse the skill level necessary to self-administer the prescription medication, including the use of any device required to administer the medication.

    4. Sample medication given to you by a physician must be accompanied by a written prescription from the licensed physician, a written parent request, and on file in the student’s medical records.

    5. Medications that have not been picked up from the school clinic before the end of the school year will be properly dispose of.

     

    Medication Policy and Consent Forms

    Medication Policy and Consent Form – Prescription Medication

    Medication Policy and Consent Form – Non-Prescription/Over-The-Counter Medication

Student Accident Insurance

Student Physical Activity

Elementary Schools - In accordance with state guidelines, AISD ensures that students in full-day pre-kindergarten through grade 5 engage in 30 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day or 135 minutes per week.
 

Middle Schools – In accordance with state guidelines, AISD ensures that students in middle school engage in 30 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity per day for at least four semesters OR at least 225 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity within each two-week period for at least four semesters.
 

For more information, see Board policies EHAB, EHAC, and FFA (LOCAL) or contact your child’s principal.