MASON COUNTY— Immunizations are one area of a child’s health care that is often overlooked when they become adolescents.

Beginning with the 2012-13 school year, older students entering the 7th and 12th grade will have shot requirements that must be met before the start of the school year. Seventh grade students must show proof of a booster dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine and one dose of meningococcal/meningitis vaccine. Twelfth grade students also must show proof of a dose of Tdap plus a dose of meningococcal/meningitis vaccine after the age of 16 years.

It was reported these vaccines can be obtained at a physician’s office along with a comprehensive medical exam, but some physicians that adolescents see may not offer the vaccines. In those cases, your health department can help you. If citizens have private insurance that pays for vaccines, but your physician does not provide vaccines, the physician will provide you with a referral form that can be taken to the health department, along with a child’s most current immunization record. If your insurance does not cover vaccine, citizens may obtain vaccines at the health department, as well as if you have Medicaid, CHIPS or no insurance.

According to these new requirements, seventh and twelfth grade students will not be allowed to attend school this fall without proof of these immunizations. It is important that once a child receives the vaccines and the providers update your immunization record, that the school nurse is sent a copy of the vaccines for their records.

For more information on these requirements and how to receive a vaccine, call you physician, or the Mason County Health Department at 304-675-3050.