Student Health Reminders

Vaccinations and Medical Conditions

HATS HATS HATS ... and sunscreen

During Term Four, students are reminded to wear a hat during the majority of PE and Sport Education classes which are held outdoors. Students are encouraged to bring a hat to school and leave it in their locker to have available for these classes. Students are also reminded to apply sunscreen at home before heading off to school. Sunscreen is available at school at Reception and in Sub-school offices.

Thunderstorm asthma 

Grass pollen season, which typically runs from October to December each year in Victoria, brings an increase in asthma and hay fever symptoms. It also increases the risk of thunderstorm asthma. For people with asthma or hay fever, especially those who experience wheezing or coughing with their hay fever, thunderstorm asthma can be sudden, serious and even life threatening. Mullauna SC will implement a range of measures to keep our school community safe as the risk of thunderstorm asthma increases. Many of our staff are trained in asthma first aid. We will monitor the Vic Emergency app to receive thunderstorm warnings and, where appropriate, encourage particular students who are at-risk to notify staff so that they can stay indoors when weather forecasts identify greater risk.

During the season, there are some things you can do to prepare and protect yourself and your family:

· If your child has ever had asthma, talk to your doctor about what you can do to help protect them from the risk of thunderstorm asthma this pollen season, including updating your asthma action plan. Taking an asthma preventer properly and regularly is key to preventing asthma, including thunderstorm asthma.

· If your child has hay fever, see your pharmacist or doctor for a hay fever treatment plan and check if you should have an asthma reliever puffer. These are available from a pharmacy without a prescription.

· If your child has hay fever and experiences wheezing and coughing, it is important to make sure they don’t also have asthma. Speak to your doctor about an asthma action plan.

· Where possible, avoid being outside during thunderstorms from October to December, especially during the wind gusts that come before the storm. Go inside and close your doors and windows. If you have your air conditioning on, turn it to ‘recirculate’.

Protect yourself and your children this pollen season – managing asthma and allergies matters.

For more information, speak to your doctor. You can also refer to the Better Health Channel website.