Now is the time to make sure your children’s immunizations are up-to-date for the approaching school year.
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reminds parents that state law requires children to be immunized against childhood diseases to enter school, Head Start or daycare.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 95 percent of parents nationwide choose to vaccinate their children, protecting them against potentially deadly diseases.
“Childhood vaccinations protect your child and those around them,” said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Thomas Dobbs. However, he urged parents to act sooner rather than later to make sure their children are properly vaccinated for the upcoming 2015-2016 school term.
“While it’s great to see children receiving required vaccinations, the back-to-school rush places additional pressure on our county health department clinics,” Dobbs noted. “Parents should remember the best protection is having their children immunized on time. Immunizing now can avoid long lines later this summer.”
Required vaccinations for children entering school in Mississippi for the first time include the following
• diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP);
• polio (IPV);
• hepatitis B;
• measles, mumps and rubella (MMR);
• varicella (chickenpox)
There is also a requirement for children entering seventh grade to receive the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccination.
Parents must provide the school with a Certificate of Immunization Compliance (Form 121) from their local health department or physician prior to school entry.
MDSH urges parents to check with their physician or county health department if they have questions about which immunizations their child will need. Those 18 and under who are eligible for the Vaccines for Children program can receive vaccinations for $10 each.
The MSDH accepts Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP and the State and School Employees’ Health Insurance Plan (AHS).
To learn more, visit www.HealthyMS.com/immunizations.
IN THE PHOTO: A mother watches as her son receives a vaccination. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
