Get Healthy Carson City: Study ahead for back-to-school vaccines

Summer is winding down and the first day of school is around the corner. Now is the time to think about back-to-school vaccines.

When children are healthy, they stay in the classroom. When in the classroom, children can make the most out of learning. Nevada law requires vaccines for childcare, school, and university entry. All youth starting kindergarten, seventh grade, and those who are new to a Nevada school district for any grade must be fully vaccinated. The chart (photo) shows Nevada’s school-required vaccine schedule. The Community tab of the Immunize Nevada Website (immunizenevada.org) is a great resource to find out about the shots your child needs.

Some changes have occurred in recent years around which vaccines are required. As of June 30, 2017, any child going into seventh grade now must have a vaccine for meningitis (MCV4). All pre-teens must receive at least one dose of MCV4 on or after 10 years of age.

A child in day care or enrolling in public, charter, or private school in Nevada after June 30, 2018, must have received the vaccine for Chicken Pox. Another option is to have proof of immunity to Chicken Pox. A written statement from a doctor, a lab test, or two doses of vaccine meets this new rule.

The vaccine requirement for childcare facilities has also been updated. When an age range is listed, the child needs to receive all required vaccines at the youngest age listed. For example, if the range shows 12-15 months and the child is 12 months of age then all of the vaccines in this age range must be up to date.

Vaccines are given at certain ages to maintain protection. This also lowers the risk of older children passing an illness to a younger sibling or classmates who are too young to be vaccinated.

The chart of immunization requirements is designed to make reviewing your child’s vaccination record as easy as counting 1, 2, 3. However, we here at Carson City Health and Human Services (CCHHS) understand it is not always that simple. Interpreting an immunization record can be overwhelming. We stand ready to help! CCHHS is open every Thursday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. on a walk-in basis for vaccines. Back to School Immunization Days will be held at CCHHS from Aug. 13-17 and on Aug. 20, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. on a walk-in basis. You can also call for an appointment at the Carson City School-Based Health Center (open Tuesday and Thursdays), Nevada Health Centers, or your private doctor.

For information about services and programs available to you through Carson City Health and Human Services, visit our website at gethealthycarsoncity.org, follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/cchhs, or call us at 775-887-2190. You can also find us at 900 E. Long St. in Carson City.