Preparing for middle school can be overwhelming for both children and parents. But before students can roll into the classroom, they will need to roll up their sleeves and update some vaccines.
Meningococcal and Tdap vaccines are required for all Maryland students entering the seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth and eleventh grades. These vaccines help prevent bacterial meningitis, whooping cough, tetanus and diphtheria. Parents are responsible for providing proof of immunization to the school nurse prior to the student attending or proof of an appointment for the necessary immunizations within 20 calendar days of the first day of school.
Children should see their primary health care provider to get the required vaccines for school. Parents can also contact their local health department for assistance.
The Anne Arundel County Health Department is offering several free vaccine clinics in August. The clinics are for returning students who need the MCV4 and Tdap vaccinations. Linda Josephson, RN and manager of Infectious Disease Infection and Control, says “These are mass walk-in clinics free to all children needing the vaccines, regardless of their insurance status. If they choose to make an appointment at one of the health centers they must be uninsured or underinsured. It behooves everyone to come to the mass clinics.”
The free walk-in clinics, available for those with or without insurance, are offered:
Friday, August 10, 8:30 a.m.–noon and 1–4 p.m. Glen Burnie Health Center, 416 A Street SW, Glen Burnie
Friday, August 17, 8:30 a.m.–noon and 1 – 4 p.m. Health Services Building, 3 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis
Parents of new students should contact either the Parole Health Center,
410-222-7247 or the Glen Burnie Health Center, 410-222-6633 for more information prior to coming to one of the walk-in clinics to review their child’s vaccine history in case additional vaccinations are necessary.