Summer vacation will be ending; school/college will be starting. The Lincoln County Health Department encourages parents to check their children’s immunization records now to make sure their children are up-to-date for the upcoming 2015-2016 school year.
“Making sure that children of all ages receive all their vaccinations on time is one of the most important things parents can do to ensure their children’s long-term health,” said Mindy Schwarz, Public Health Nurse, Lincoln County Health Department.
There are no new immunization requirements this school year. However, students entering the 6th grade continue to need a single dose of the Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria acellular Pertussis) vaccine. Tdap is required for all students in grades 6 through 12. Kindergarten students continue to be required to have booster shots of Varicella (chicken pox), DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus acellular Pertussis), Polio and MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella).
It is recommended that college students receive a dose of the Meningococcal vaccine. This vaccine is generally first given between the ages of 11 and 15 with a second dose after the age of 16.
“If older teens didn’t get the meningococcal shot after the age of 16, or did not get the shot at all, parents should talk to their child’s doctor about getting it as soon as possible,” Schwarz said. “This is really important if teens are about to move into a college residence hall as a first-year student or go into the military. Living in community settings like those can increase the risk of getting meningococcal disease.”
Children who have no health insurance, children with health insurance but no vaccine coverage, children on Medicaid/Badgercare, children who are American Indians or Alaskan Natives can receive all routine immunizations through the Lincoln County Health Department. The cost is $10 and appointments are needed.
Children who have health insurance with vaccine coverage are able to receive the Tdap vaccine through the Lincoln County Health Department. The cost is $10 and appointments are needed. If your child needs additional shots please call his/her healthcare provider.
To receive immunizations, contact your healthcare provider or call the Lincoln County Health Department at 715-536-0307. To find more information about vaccine preventable diseases visit http://lincolncountyhealthdepartment.com/.