We know, summer is just getting started! You've got big plans--days at the Aquatic Center, camping, family vacation. It's WAY too soon to start thinking about going back to school in the Fall. Well, not for the gang at the Grundy County Health Department. We start thinking about the First Day of School long before school's even out in May! It's a busy time for us.
The State of Missouri requires students that attend school have all their immunizations up-to-date. Booster doses of certain vaccines are required before school starts this Fall.
School immunization requirements affect
four age groups primarily:
- Students entering Kindergarten
must have a booster series.
- Students entering eighth
grade need a TDaP (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) booster and a
meningococcal vaccination.
- Students entering 12th
grade are required to have a meningococcal vaccination. This is a new
requirement for this age group.
- College students living on campus are required to have one dose of meningococcal vaccine.
To avoid a last minute rush, the Grundy County Health
Department is offering an incentive for students that come in early: a $10 gift
card for appointments before July 1 and a $5 gift card for appointments before August 1. Evening appointments are available.
The Health Department is able to bill most insurance companies. GCHD participates in the Federal Vaccines for Children program that provides vaccine for children that are uninsured or eligible for Medicaid. Please bring your insurance card with you to your appointment.
Avoid the August rush by scheduling your appointment this
month. Call the Grundy County Health Department at 660/359-4196 to make an
immunization appointment for your child.