New Immunization Requirements

There are new immunization requirements for school aged children in North Carolina.  The changes were effective July 1, 2015 and apply to children in childcare settings, children going into kindergarten, and children going into the 7th grade.

Does your child have a shield of protection against dangerous and contagious diseases?

 “Due to the communal nature of school settings and the tendency of kids to share food and drink, they can easily spread illnesses that can make them very sick, keep them out of school or worse” says Buncombe County Medical Director, Dr. Jennifer Mullendore. She adds, “When your child is up to date on their vaccinations, you are protecting them against many serious diseases. As a parent, that’s one less thing for you to worry about.”

One of these illnesses, meningococcal meningitis, can cause the lining of the brain and spinal cord to swell and can kill an otherwise healthy person within one day after the first symptoms appear. Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is another illness that is very contagious and serious, especially for infants and for those who are not immunized.  There were 60 reported cases of pertussis in Buncombe County in 2014.

Schedule your child’s immunizations today! Please talk to your healthcare professional or call the Buncombe Immunization Clinic at (828) 250-5096 for more information. The Immunization Clinic is located at 53 S. French Broad Avenue. No appointment is required.

They accept most health insurance and participate in the Vaccines for Children program which provide free immunizations to children who qualify. The immunization clinic or your doctor can also provide you with a copy of your immunization record.

 We encourage everyone in our community to join the shield of protection. Get Immunized! Details of the new immunization requirements can be found on the North Carolina Immunization Program website at: www.immunize.nc.gov or on our website at buncombecounty.org/immunize .