ROANOKE (WSLS10)-- It's the time of year when many parents are starting to get their kids ready to head back to school. Part of that process includes making sure your kids have all of the right vaccinations.
In the state of Virginia, children entering kindergarten, middle school or heading off to college all have specific vaccine requirements they must meet before starting school. That's why the VA Department of Health is holding daily vaccination clinics across the region-- getting kids up to date on the shots they need.
"We do it because we understand that vaccinations are important," says Dr. Stephanie Harper, the health director for the Roanoke City and Alleghany District. "It's certainly one of the best ways that a parent can protect the child. Now is the time to get it done, schedule it around vacations. We try to offer a ton of opportunities so there is a way for children to start school on time."
Clinics are taking place in Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem, Craig County, Covington and Botetourt County. There is at least one clinic everyday from now to the start of the school year.
Vaccines that are required for school attendance are available for free.
Dr. Harper recommends getting vaccinated as soon as possible since many parents tend to wait and those later clinics and appointments are a lot busier.
Here are the minimum immunization requirements from the VDH:
Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, or Tdap) – A minimum of 4 doses. A child must have at least one dose of DTaP or DTP vaccine on or after the fourth birthday. DT (Diphtheria, Tetanus) vaccine is required for children who are medically exempt from the pertussis containing vaccine (DTaP or DTP). Adult Td is required for children 7 years of age and older who do not meet the minimum requirements for tetanus and diphtheria. Effective July 1, 2014, a booster dose of Tdap vaccine is required for all children entering the 6th grade.
Haemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib) Vaccine – This vaccine is required ONLY for children up to 60 months of age. A primary series consists of either 2 or 3 doses (depending on the manufacturer). However, the child's current age and not the number of prior doses received govern the number of doses required. Unvaccinated children between the ages of 15 and 60 months are only required to have one dose of vaccine.
Hepatitis B Vaccine – A complete series of 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine is required for all children. However, the FDA has approved a 2-dose schedule ONLY for adolescents 11-15 years of age AND ONLY when the Merck Brand (RECOMBIVAX HB) Adult Formulation Hepatitis B Vaccine is used. If the 2-dose schedule is used for adolescents 11-15 years of age it must be clearly documented on the school form.
Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) – Effective October 1, 2008, a complete series of 3 doses of HPV vaccine is required for females. The first dose shall be administered before the child enters the 6th grade. After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parent's or guardian's sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.
Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) Vaccine – A minimum of 2 measles, 2 mumps, and 1 rubella. (Most children receive 2 doses of each because the vaccine usually administered is the combination vaccine MMR). First dose must be administered at age 12 months or older. Second dose of vaccine must be administered prior to entering kindergarten but can be administered at any time after the minimum interval between dose 1 and dose 2.
Pneumococcal (PCV) Vaccine – This vaccine is required ONLY for children less than 60 months of age. One to four doses, dependent on age at first dose, of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine are required.
Polio Vaccine – A minimum of 4 doses of polio vaccine. One dose must be administered on or after the fourth birthday. See supplemental guidance document for additional information.
Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine – All children born on and after January 1, 1997, shall be required to have one dose of chickenpox vaccine administered at age 12 months or older. Effective March 3, 2010, a second dose must be administered prior to entering kindergarten but can be administered at any time after the minimum interval between dose 1 and dose 2.