Required Back-to-School Immunizations Offered at Health Department Clinics

The Garrett County Health Department reminds parents of the new immunization requirements for school students:

• A second dose of Varicella vaccine is required for Kindergarten through 4th grade
• A single dose of Tdap and a single dose of Meningococcal vaccine is required for students entering 7th, 8th, 9th,10th & 11th grade

The health department will hold two immunization clinics for students who need these vaccines for school.  These clinics will be by appointment. The first clinic is August 9th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Garrett County Health Department, 1025 Memorial Drive, Oakland.

The second clinic will be on August 17th (same hours) at our Grantsville location at 28 Hershberger Lane.

Tdap, Meningococcal, and Varicella vaccine will be offered free of charge regardless of the student’s insurance status. Also, there will be no administration fee for these vaccines.  Parents are asked to bring a current copy of the student’s immunization record.

We will also be offering Gardasil® (Human Papillomavirus or HPV vaccine) to age-eligible students attending these clinics.  Gardasil® is recommended for both females and males to prevent certain cancers caused by HPV infection including cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers.  Gardasil® will be available at no charge for “Vaccines for Children or VFC Program” eligible students which include persons aged 9 to 18 years of age with Medicaid, those uninsured, or those whose insurance does not pay for the vaccine.  There will be an administration fee for students eligible under the VFC Program. For students with commercial health insurance, Gardasil will also be available, but their insurance will be billed.

To schedule an appointment at either location or for information on Gardasil or other immunizations, please call 301 334-7770 or 301 895-3111.

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department

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