North Central Health District

Houston County Health Department Hosting Drive-thru Meningitis Vaccine Clinic for Students

Posted July 26, 2021 by Michael Hokanson

Get Your Child Up to Date on Vaccine Requirements

The school year is approaching, and now is the time to plan for your child’s required school immunizations. Recent updates to the Georgia required vaccinations means your student will need to show proof of a meningococcal booster shot (MCV4) before starting 11^th grade. Houston County Health Department wants to help parents meet this requirement by hosting three drive-thru vaccination clinics based on the following schedule:

Date	Time	Location
Monday, August 23	3:30 – 5 p.m.	Houston County Health Department
Wednesday, August 25	3:30 – 5 p.m.	Houston County Health Department
Friday, August 27	3:30 – 5 p.m.	Houston County Health Department

“Our children deserve to be safe at school, and vaccination is one way to provide that protection,” said Houston County Health Department Nurse Manager Chris Sikes. “Vaccines help keep our students in school by keeping preventable diseases out.”

The MCV4 vaccine helps prevent the spread of meningococcal disease, which is a bacterial illness that impacts the brain and the spinal cord. The disease can lead to shock, coma and death within hours of the first symptoms. To help protect your children and others from meningitis, Georgia law requires students be vaccinated against this disease, unless the child has an exemption.

Before starting the 2021-2022 school year, all students entering or transferring into 11th grade will need proof of a meningococcal booster shot, unless their first dose was received on or after their 16^th birthday.

“The updates to required vaccination ensure that we have defenses against diseases that can be extremely harmful to children,” said Sikes. “The staff of the health department is here to provide that defense.”

Vaccination consent forms will be required for immunization. Consent forms will be available at Houston County high schools and at each drive-thru event. Children visiting the drive-thru vaccine clinics are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian age 18 or older to receive vaccination. Insured students should bring proof of insurance – there will be no out-of-pocket expense for the shot. Uninsured students will not be charged.

If a student cannot make it to the drive-thru events, vaccines are available at the health department during normal clinical hours. Call Houston County Health Department to schedule an appointment. For more information on student vaccine requirements, visit NCHD52.org/student-immunizations or dph.ga.gov/schoolvaccines.