Add immunizations to your back-to-school list

Students entering kindergarten
must be up-to-date on all required vaccinations for attending school, which
includes the vaccine for Tetanus,
Diphtheria and Pertussis (DTaP or Tdap). For sixth-graders, this is an additional requirement, even if the child was
current on all vaccinations in elementary school.

DTaP/Tdap vaccines,
as well as all other required and recommended vaccines, are available at the
Mesa County Health Department, 510 29 ½ Road. Call 248-6900 to make an
appointment. Parents can also contact their regular health care provider.

State law requires parents to provide updated immunization records at
school registration and throughout the year when a child receives an additional
vaccine. Exemption forms are available at school offices for families who
choose not to vaccinate their children.

For more information on childhood vaccinations, including easy-to-read
immunization schedules, visit health.mesacounty.us. Click on “Child, Adult and
Family Services,” then on “Immunizations.” For questions regarding
immunizations required to attend school, call Nursing Services at School
District 51 at 254-5417 or review the list provided in each Parent Student
Handbook.