Time to Schedule School Vaccinations

            It’s time for students to roll up your sleeves and get ready to go back to work.

            But roll up your sleeves, first, so parents can make sure their children have the vaccinations they need to return to school.

            “The start of school is about five weeks away,” Douglas County Health Director Dr. Adi Pour said. “We want people to know that while no new vaccinations are required this year, all of the previous requirements remain in place.”

            Kindergarten students generally need to have the booster vaccinations that protect them against diphtheria/ tetanus/ pertussis; polio; chicken pox; and measles/ mumps/rubella. Not required, but recommended, is a Hepatitis A vaccination.

            For students entering the Seventh Grade, a booster vaccination is needed for diphtheria/ tetanus/pertussis vaccination. Also, not required, but recommended, are meningococcal vaccination, the HPV vaccination, and Hepatitis A vaccination.

             Parents of students who are transferring into a local school from outside the state can call the clinic (402-444-6163) and ask to speak with a nurse regarding the vaccinations they may need in order to enroll on time. That will depend on what vaccinations they’ve already received.

            The Douglas County Childhood Immunization Clinic at 1111 South 41st Street is available to help families prepare for school. There are no residency requirements, but young people must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Appointments can be made by calling 402-444-6163.

            Immunizations are free, but donations will gladly be accepted. The Health Department requests that a complete shot record be brought to the clinic. There is a $5 charge for duplicate records.

         “We hope you will take advantage of the remaining weeks until school starts to have your child immunized,” Dr. Pour said. “Healthy children do better in school.”