A shot clinic for students in grades 7 and 12 who have not received required vaccinations will be held from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 4, in the Dutton Community Room at Mansfield Senior High.
The Ohio Department of Health requires all seventh-grade students to have the Tdap and meningococcal shots and all 12th-graders to have the meningococcal shot. Seniors require two meningitis shots eight weeks apart or one meningitis shot if the first does was received after age 16.
Students will not be permitted to remain in school after Sept. 30 if the school does not have a record of the shots. Students who are registered to receive shots on Oct. 4 will be allowed to remain in school.
School nurse Peggy Sutton and Richland Public Health nurses will administer the required shots on Oct. 4. A letter, consent form and information sheets have been mailed to all students who still need the required shots. Consent forms must be returned to the school by Friday along with medical card information or money. Cost of the first shot is $20; each additional one is $10.
The Tdap shot helps protect against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). The meningococcal shot protects against meningitis, a serious infection and inflammation of the tissue and fluid of the brain and spinal cord.
In addition to the Oct. 4 shot clinic, parents may have their children vaccinated by their own physicians. Also, Richland Public Health accepts walk-ins or an appointment may be scheduled by calling 419-774-4700. For more information, contact Sutton at 419-525-6369.
