The Health Department reminds parents and guardians about the importance of getting their children up to date immunizations for school. Immunizations are available for all youth including children entering kindergarten and teens entering grades 7 and 12 in the fall.
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Cumberland County Department of Public Health reminds parents and guardians about the importance of getting their children up to date immunizations for school. Immunizations are available for all youth including children entering kindergarten and teens entering grades 7 and 12 in the fall.
The Health Department will host a Saturday back-to-school clinic July 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Public Health Center, located at 1235 Ramsey St., Fayetteville. Back to school immunizations will also be available until 7 p.m. during the Late Clinics on July 11 and August 8. COVID-19 vaccinations will all be available for children and teens getting vaccinated. No appointments are needed, services are available by walk-in only. All students in grades K-12 who receive vaccinations by Aug. 31 will receive a swag bag of goodies.
“We often have long wait times for immunizations once school starts,” said Cumberland County Public Health Director Dr. Jennifer Green. “We’re encouraging all parents and guardians to get their students caught up with their immunizations over the summer before the school year starts.”
Required Vaccinations
All students entering grade 7 are required to obtain a Tdap and meningococcal conjugate vaccine before starting school. As of Aug. 1, 2020, a booster dose to protect against meningococcal disease is required for adolescents entering the 12 grade or by age 17, whichever comes first. Learn more here (Spanishlanguage flier here).
A full list of immunizations required before entering kindergarten, 7th grade, and 12th grade, as required by North Carolina state law, can be found on the Cumberland County Schoolswebsite.
If you are 18 years old or younger and do not have health insurance or your health insurance does not cover immunizations, you will receive immunizations at no cost through the Vaccines for Children Program.
Bring an ID card, a copy of your insurance card and your immunization records, if available.
If you need transportation to the Health Department for a walk-in visit to the Immunizations Clinic, call 910-433-3600.
In accordance with state law, parents and caregivers have 30 calendar days from the first day of attendance to present the required immunization record and health assessment transmittal form for the child. After 30 calendar days, students will not be allowed to attend school until the required immunizations and health assessment transmittal form has been presented.
Anyone who cannot attend one of these events can get their required immunizations at the Department of Public Health Monday – Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Please visit cumberlandcountync.gov/publichealth for more information about the Cumberland County Department of Public Health.