The start of a new school year is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for students to get immunization shots.
The Washington County Health Department, 1633 Hospital St. in Greenville, will hold a special school registration immunization clink for children ages 10-17 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday. No appointment for the day is necessary.
During this clinic, the health department will have additional nursing staff on-hand to provide adolescent immunizations so parents can complete the process quickly and efficiently.
Before arriving to the clinic, parents should be sure to have a copy of their child’s immunization record.
Mississippi state law requires children to be immunized against childhood diseases to enter public or private school, Head Start or daycare. There are required vaccinations for first-time school entry in Mississippi and special requirements for students entering seventh grade.
“A Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) booster vaccination is required for those entering seventh grade. To make sure your adolescent is completely protected, we also recommend they get the HPV (human papillomavirus) and meningococcal vaccinations at the same time,” said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers.
Parents must provide the school with a Certificate of Immunization Compliance (Form 121) from their immunization provider before the first day of school.
Parents should check with their child’s physician or county health department if they are unsure or have questions about which immunizations are required. Childhood vaccinations are available at county health departments by appointment.
For more information, visit healthyms.com/immunizations.
