Published: August 04, 2008 10:01 am         

Kids need shots to go back to school

School will start for Stillwater students on Aug. 13, and in addition to a new backpack, school supplies and clothing, it is important children receive the necessary immunizations to begin the school year.

To avoid a last minute rush, Payne County Health Department will be offering extended clinic hours to clients.

“For two weeks beginning today and ending Aug. 15, we’ll make the clinic available from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., staying open through the lunch hour,” said Pam Dvorak, RNC, district nurse manager, in a statement. “Our hope is that these extended hours will make it easier for parents to access immunization services offered by the county health department. We do require that parents bring their children’s shot records with them so we can give the appropriate vaccinations.”

The State of Oklahoma requires the following immunizations for students attending kindergarten through 10th grade: five doses DTap, DTP, TD or Tdap; four doses polio; two doses measles/mumps/rubella; three doses Hep B; two doses Hep A; and one dose varicella (chicken pox).

Eleventh and 12th graders may attend if they have received five doses DTap, DTP, TD or Tdap; four doses polio; two doses measles/mumps/rubella; two or three doses Hep B; and two doses Hep A.

Additionally, the following vaccines are recommended by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices: a second dose of varicella; a Tdap booster to protect against whooping cough; meningococcal conjugate vaccine for those 15-24 years of age; and human papillomavirus vaccine for girls to help prevent cervical cancer.

No appointment is necessary to receive immunizations at the Payne County Health Department, 1321 W. Seventh. For more information, call 372-8200.

     

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