Back-To-School Vaccines

Is Your Child Ready For School?

 

The first day of school will be here before you know it! While you're shopping for backpacks, school supplies, and new clothes, don't forget to check that your child's vaccinations are up to date.

Vaccines help protect children from serious diseases like measles, whooping cough, meningitis, and chickenpox. Staying up to date also helps protect classmates, teachers, family members, and our community.

 

Kindergarten Students
Before starting kindergarten in Nebraska, children should have:

• 3 doses of DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis), with one dose given on or after the 4th birthday
• 3 doses of Polio vaccine
• 2 doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
• 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine
• 2 doses of Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccine, or written proof that they have had chickenpox

 

Students Entering 7th Grade
Nebraska requires all students entering 7th grade to receive:

• 1 Tdap booster (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)

This is also the recommended time to receive:

• Meningococcal (MenACWY) vaccine to help protect against meningitis
• HPV vaccine to help prevent several types of cancer

 

Students Heading to College
Many colleges and universities require or strongly recommend additional vaccines, especially for students living in residence halls. These may include:

• Meningococcal (MenACWY) vaccine
• Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine
• MMR if not already up to date
• Tdap booster if due
• HPV vaccine if the series has not been completed

 

We Can Help Keep Your Child Up to Date
SWNPHD participates in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. The VFC Program provides vaccines at no cost for children from birth through 18 years of age who qualify. A child may qualify if they:

• Have Medicaid
• Do not have health insurance
• Are American Indian or Alaska Native
• Have health insurance that does not cover vaccines

We also offer private-pay vaccines and can bill most private insurance plans for eligible immunizations. Our staff can help you determine your eligibility, verify insurance coverage, and answer any questions you may have before your appointment.

Don't Wait Until the Last Minute!
Back-to-school appointments fill up quickly. Schedule your child's vaccine appointment now to avoid the rush before school starts.

If you are unsure whether your child is up to date on their vaccines, we can review their immunization record and help determine what vaccines may be needed.

Protect your child. Protect your school. Protect your community.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department at 308-345-4223.