As illnesses continue to impact our school community, our partners at Bassett School-Based Health wish to remind you that their health clinic is open for appointments for all UV students.
The clinic offers testing for Covid, flu, RSV, strep and many other illnesses, as well as vaccinations.
Families just need to call the clinic at 607-847-6050 or, if they have MyBassett Health Connection, they can request it through that application. If a student is not currently signed up, the clinic can get them the forms and they can sign up and be seen that day. Health care through the clinic does not have to take the place of a student’s primary provider, the clinic can be in addition to their primary care or it can stand alone as their primary care.
A student’s parent or guardian may contact the clinic for an appointment if their child is in school or if they are home. An older student can come to the clinic and request care and the clinic will then verify with their family. The clinic is open during school breaks and over the summer.
The clinic offers testing for the flu, RSV, Covid, strep and many other illness, as well as vaccinations.
The New York State Education Department this week also urged vigilance in a memo to schools:
“A host of respiratory viruses, including influenza, RSV and COVID-19, have taken hold in our state and in most of our communities. These viruses, while often manageable, can cause serious outcomes, especially for children. They have been straining our healthcare system and are taxing the availability of pediatric beds across New York.The number of laboratory-confirmed flu cases has nearly tripled over the past three weeks and flu hospitalizations have more than doubled. In addition, COVID-19 continues to pose a significant threat, particularly for unvaccinated or under-vaccinated New Yorkers, as the virus remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States.In response, we are urging a community-wide approach, inclusive of schools, to again take precautions this holiday season and winter that can prevent the spread of respiratory viruses and protect young children, older individuals, and those with underlying health conditions.
Communities and schools should encourage these common sense precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:
1. Staying up to date on vaccines, including Flu and COVID-19.
2. Washing your hands often with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds.
3. Not coughing or sneezing into your hands; sneeze or cough into your elbow.
4. Staying home when sick or symptomatic.
5. Wearing a well-fitting, high-quality mask when in public indoor spaces.