RICHMOND COUNTY — With the school year quickly approaching, the Richmond County Health Department will host a back-to-school immunization clinic on Wednesday, Aug. 20, from 2 to 7 p.m. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 910-997-8301.
Parents must accompany their children and should bring an insurance card to the appointment. For those unable to attend the clinic, walk-in immunizations are available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 to 11 a.m.
North Carolina law requires that any child enrolling in public school for the first time have a current health assessment and proof of required immunizations. This applies to kindergarten students and those entering the NC Pre-K program.
The required immunizations for kindergarten include:
5 doses of DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
4 doses of Polio
2 doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
4 doses of Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae type B)
3 doses of Hepatitis B
2 doses of Varicella (chickenpox)
4 doses of Pneumococcal conjugate
For NC Pre-K students, the health assessment must include a physical exam, updated immunizations, and screenings for vision, hearing, and dental health. Immunization requirements for this group are:
4 doses of DTaP
3 doses of Hepatitis B
3 to 4 doses of Hib
1 dose of MMR
3 doses of Polio
4 doses of Pneumococcal conjugate
1 dose of Varicella
By seventh grade, students must have received all vaccines required for kindergarten, along with one dose of Tdap and one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine.
By 12th grade, students must be up to date on all previous vaccine requirements and receive a second dose of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine. However, if the first dose was given after the 16th birthday, a second dose is not required.
North Carolina allows vaccine exemptions for medical and religious reasons. Medical exemptions require a physician-completed exemption form submitted to the school. For religious exemptions, a written statement must include the individual’s name, date of birth and the reason for the objection.