Aug. 24--Students returning to classrooms in coming days are strongly encouraged by health officials to get the newest round of required vaccinations completed.
The state Department of Health is requiring seventh-graders to get a tetanus booster shot that includes protection from whooping cough, as well as a meningitis vaccine.
Also, students in all grades will be required to get a second chicken pox vaccine, unless they've already had the disease.
Whooping cough is an infection of the respiratory system and is characterized by severe coughing spells that end in a "whooping" sound when the person breathes in.
Meningitis can be fatal or lead to a variety of disabilities or amputated limbs, said Debbie Stoops, immunization program coordinator for York City Bureau of Health.
Stoops said free clinics are offered for York City residents right now, although families tend to procrastinate and wait until the school year has begun.
The state isn't requiring families to have their children up-to-date right away, but Stoops said there's no reason to wait to get a child protected.
Extra clinics will be scheduled if needed, she said. Families can call 815-0910 to schedule an appointment.
Schools get protected: School districts are also helping children get vaccinated by directing families to resources or, as South Eastern schools is doing, having parents fill out a written plan to inform the district when they will get their child vaccinated.
No specific deadline is set, but parents won't be allowed to register their child without a written plan, according to South Eastern head nurse June Stratmeyer.
The department isn't publicizing an exact deadline of when vaccines are needed, but schools are all contacting parents now to see what children are completely covered for their vaccinations so far.
Stratmeyer said the second round of chicken pox vaccinations is needed because research showed one round wasn't necessarily enough to prevent a minor outbreak.
Those who live outside the city can receive vaccinations for a low cost through the York County Department of Health, 1750 N. George St.
For vaccination information, call the county department at 771-4505.
-- Reach Andrew Shaw at 505-5431 or ashaw@yorkdispatch.com.
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