School updates, December 2023

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department sent this bulletin at 12/05/2023 10:06 AM PST

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School updates, December 2023

Respiratory Illness

Respiratory illness season is here. Protect yourself and others!

  • Get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19. These vaccines are safe and effective.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes.
  • Wash your hands.
  • Limit your time around sick people.
  • If you are sick, stay home.

Everyone 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months and older get new, updated (2023–24) COVID-19 vaccine.

  • Everyone 5 and older should get 1 dose at least 2 months after your last dose. Some may require additional doses based on vaccine history and product.
  • Children 6 months to 4 years should get at least 1 dose.

U.S. Department of Education announced a plan to send COVID-19 tests to schools. Read more about how to get test kits for your school.

Need other vaccines besides COVID-19 and flu? You can get multiple vaccines at the same time.

Where to find vaccines

Most pharmacies and doctor’s offices offer vaccines. Call ahead for availability. You can find pediatric vaccine clinics and events at tpchd.org/kidsvax.

Uninsured or underinsured adults can get the flu vaccine at select Adult Vaccine Program (AVP) providers and the new, updated COVID-19 vaccine at Bridge Access program pharmacies and some AVP providers.

Check out vaccines.gov for locations.

Environmental Health

Our PurpleAir in Schools Program provides and installs air sensors at schools and youth-centered facilities across Pierce County.  

The PurpleAir sensor is a low-cost device that measures particle pollution in the air. Several school districts and organizations in Pierce County participate in the program.

Want to get a PurpleAir sensor in your school? Email Jackie Busby.

Check out PurpleAir sensor data. Visit our Outdoor Air and Wildfire Smoke pages to learn more about improving air quality and protecting health.

School Advisory Workgroup

Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and the Puget Sound Workers’ Compensation Trust & Unemployment Pool hosted the annual School Environmental Health and Safety Workshop on Nov. 7, 2023. Speakers included staff from:

  • DOH.
  • Schools.
  • Local health jurisdictions.
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10.
  • Office of the Superintendent for Public Instruction (OSPI).
  • Puget Sound Workers' Compensation Trust & Unemployment Pool.

View workshop materials online. You can also find more information on school grants, including the Clean School Bus Program Rebates.