It’s now mid-August and children will be headed back to classrooms across Catawba County later this month. One way to ensure they are healthy and ready to return is through routine vaccinations and health assessments. North Carolina requires vaccinations for children and teens entering Kindergarten, 7th and 12th grade.

Rising kindergartners and children entering public school in North Carolina for the first time should also have a health assessment completed by their child’s physician. Catawba County Schools Health Supervisor Marianne Vogel says “It is important for children to be caught up on routine vaccinations, as this provides the best protection against many childhood illnesses such as measles, mumps, polio, whooping cough, meningitis and more.”

For families who do not already have a primary care provider, school nurses can help them find a physician. Public Health also offers routine vaccinations for children and teens, including those required for school, and is offering extra dates and times to make vaccinations more convenient. Appointments can be made by calling 828-695-5881.

For more information on vaccines call Catawba County Public Health’s Immunizations Clinic at 828-695-5881.

[News release courtesy of Catawba County Public Health]