Back to School Immunization Clinics Announced

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Contact: John T. Althardt, 221-2316

New Immunization Requirements for School-Aged Children Lead to Additional Immunization Clinics

More than 60,000 Marion County school-aged children could be affected by new Indiana State Department of Health immunization requirements.

The Marion County Health Department and the Indianapolis Immunization Coalition have scheduled a series of immunization clinics to ensure all children have their required shots.

The new requirements apply to students entering preschool, Kindergarten and those in grades 6-12.

Students ages 3 through 5, attending a preschool located within a school building must have 2 appropriately documented varicella vaccines, separated by at least 3 months, or physician documentation of disease history, or laboratory evidence of immunity.

Those entering Kindergarten must now have 2 appropriately documented varicella vaccines, separated by at least 3 months, or physician documentation of disease history, or laboratory evidence of immunity.

In terms of chicken pox, children entering preschool, Kindergarten and 1st grades, must present a signed statement by a health care provider, including date of disease.

Students in grades 6 – 12 must have appropriate documentation of the following vaccinations: Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap); meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4); 2 varicella vaccinations appropriately spaced per Centers for Disease and Control guidelines, or documentation of disease history, or laboratory evidence of immunity.

For those children entering grades 2-12, documentation from a parent indicating when their child has had chicken pox is sufficient. The written statement should include date of disease, a parent’s signature and date of signature. (Example: If a parent cannot recall exact dates, something as simple as stating that disease occurred in the spring of 2000 is acceptable.)

Health Department and Immunization Coalition Offer
Back to School Immunization Clinics

The Marion County Health Department and the Indianapolis Immunization Coalition will offer Back to School immunization clinics beginning July 31.
Clinic information includes:

· Saturday, July 31 Back to School Family Day
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Marion County Health Department, 3838 North Rural
Free

· Thursday, August 5 Indianapolis Immunization Coalition Clinic
4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Indianapolis Children’s Museum
Free

· Saturday, August 7 Marion County Health Department Clinic
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Washington Township Administration Building Main Conference Center
8550 Woodfield Crossing Blvd
Free

· August 9-12
Marion County Health Department Back to School Immunization Week
Marion County Health Department District Health Offices
A $10 administrative fee will be charged at these clinics

South District Health Office
505 National Avenue
8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Northeast District Health Office
6042 East 21st Street
8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Northwest District Health Office / Pecar Health Center
6940 North Michigan Road
8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

· Saturday, August 21 Marion County Health Department Clinic
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Warrior Dome, campus of Warren Central High School
(East 21st Street entrance)
Free

Parents and guardians are asked to bring shot records for their children when coming to any of the immunization clinics.

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John Althardt is PR Coordinator / Health and Hospital Corporation for Marion County Health Department.