With less than one month before the new school year starts, Crawford County Public Health is encouraging families to ensure students are up-to-date on immunizations (vaccinations). Vaccines help develop immunity to diseases by helping your body learn how to “fight” a virus. Vaccination is a safe method of developing immunity without suffering from the actual disease.

Kindergarten requires a complete series of Dtap (Diptheria/Tetanus/Pertussis), polio, chickenpox (Varicella), Hepatitis B, and MMR (Measles/Mumps/Rubella) vaccinations. Kindergarten families are also encouraged to consider Hepatitis A and a flu shot.

Seventh grade students are required to have completed all of the Kindergarten series plus Tdap (Tetanus/Diptheria/Pertussis) or tetanus and one dose of chickenpox vaccine (Varicella). It is also recommended that 7th grade students receive HPV (Human Papillomavirus), Meningitis, Hepatitis A and a flu shot.

To avoid long waits at the Health Department office, it is strongly encouraged to not delay and to call and schedule an appointment. Please call 419-562-5871 ext. 1209 to schedule an appointment at a time that is convenient for you.

For more information about immunizations contact Crawford County Public Health at 419-562-5871 or visit www.crawfordhealth.com.