health
Beat The Rush For Back-to-School
Immunizations
Health departments offering vaccination appointments by KRISTIN PATTEN , South Health District
Summer vacation is the time to enjoy some fun in the sun and relax . Don ’ t let your relaxation be ruined by waiting too long to get your child ’ s back-to-school immunizations . Local public health officials encourage you to beat the rush and get your child ’ s required vaccinations now .
“ We know that no one wants to think about school starting back next month , but we want to encourage parents to not wait until the last minute to get their child ’ s required vaccines ,” said Reomona Thomas , RN , Immunization Program Coordinator for South Health District . “ In the weeks leading up to school , wait times at the health department will increase . Beat the rush and get your child ’ s appointment scheduled today .”
Immunizations that children may need before starting school include Tdap , the human papillomavirus ( HPV ) series , chickenpox , MMR ( measles , mumps , rubella ), hepatitis B and MCV4 .
MCV4 or meningococcal conjugate vaccine , is a two-dose series . It helps protect against four types of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease ( serogroups A , C , W and Y ). While most people who get the vaccine do not have any serious side effects it is always a possibility . The most common side effects include redness or pain where the shot was given and occasionally a fever . These side effects typically go away within 1-2 days .
Students entering the 7th grade need documentation of one dose of meningococcal vaccine and one dose of an adolescent pertussis ( whooping cough ) booster immunization ( called “ Tdap ”) to begin classes in the new school year .
Parents are also reminded that all students entering or transferring into 11th grade will need proof of a meningococcal booster shot ( MCV4 ), unless their first dose was received on or after their 16th birthday .
Every child in a Georgia school system ( kindergarten-12th grade ), attending a childcare facility , or a student of any age entering a Georgia school for the first time is required by law to have a Georgia Immunization Certificate , Form 3231 .
Children over the age of 5 are also able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine . Vaccination remains one of our best tools for stopping the spread of COVID-19 , along with basic prevention measures when necessary – wearing a mask , distancing from others , avoiding large gatherings , and washing your hands frequently
In addition to vaccinations , Ear , Eye , Dental and Nutrition screening forms ( Form 3300 ) will also be available during the back-to-school bash . Form 3330 is required for all students entering a Georgia school for the first time .
For more information on immunizations visit www . dph . georgia . gov / immunization-section .
Call your local health department today to schedule your child ’ s back-to-school immunization appointment .
40 Valdosta Scene | July 2022