April 15--GUILFORD COUNTY -- As students approach their spring break and summer vacations, health and school district officials want parents to plan for the vaccinations their students may need for school next year.
Rising sixth-graders will need the Tdap vaccination to comply with state law that requires the vaccination if five or more years have passed since the last dose. Tdap protects children from tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, or whooping cough. Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person, while tetanus enters the body through scratches, cuts or wounds.
"Spring break and summer vacation are great times to schedule an appointment," said Robin Bergeron Nolan, director of school health services for Guilford County Schools.
Parents also need to consider an array of vaccinations for teens.
"It is every bit as crucial for teens to be appropriately vaccinated as it is for babies and children," said Vonda Pabon, nurse manager for the Guilford County Department of Public Health.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, immunity from some childhood vaccines can decrease over time, and as children move into adolescence, they are at greater risk of catching certain diseases, like meningitis.
The CDC recommended immunizations for adolescents are:
--Meningitis: Recommended for pre-teens 11-12 years, teens who received the first dose at age 13--15 and any person entering a North Carolina four-year college or university for the first time.
--HPV: Protection against the four most common high-risk types of the Human Papillomavirus, or HPV. A series of vaccinations is recommended for young women and men ages 9-26.
--Influenza: CDC recommends all children including those who are high risk -- those with asthma, diabetes or other conditions -- 6 months to 18 years of age should be vaccinated. In addition, any child 6 months to 18 years of age who lives with a high-risk child or adult should be vaccinated.
--MMR: Teens who are enrolling in a school, college or university for the first time should get a second dose of the mumps vaccination that also protects against measles and rubella.
dnivens@hpe.com -- 888-3626
SHOTS
--
Clinics: Vaccination are available at family doctors' offices or by appointment at the Guilford County Department of Public Health offices located at 1100 E. Wendover Ave., Greensboro, and 501 E. Green Drive, High Point. A special clinics for sixth graders through high school has been scheduled for April 26 from 5 to 6:00 p.m. at the High Point site.
Appointments: Call (336) 641-3245 for English and Spanish speakers in Greensboro. For an appointment at the High Point clinic, English speakers should call (336) 641-3245 and Spanish speakers (336) 845-4591. Parents should bring a copy of immunization records with them.
Costs: Fees may apply to some vaccines. Health insurance, including Medicaid, may provide coverage.
Tdap information: Visit www.gcsnc.com/parents/tdap.htm.
-----
To see more of the High Point Enterprise, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.hpe.com.
Copyright (c) 2011, High Point Enterprise, N.C.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com.