May 2023

Dear Parents of incoming 7^th graders and 12^th graders,

I want to remind you of Ohio state law in regards to the mandated immunization requirements affecting all 7^th and 12th grade students.  Often times we want to put this off until summer time, but time seems to slip away and vaccinations are forgotten.  Once the school year starts, it may be hard to get your son/daughter in to get the required vaccinations.  We encourage you to start this process now, to avoid delays in the fall and exclusion from school. 

 Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, all 7^th grade students were required by law to have the Tdap and a MCV4 Meningococcal  vaccines and 12^th grade students were required to have a 2^nd dose of the MCV4 Meningococcal (MCV4-serogroup A, C, W, and Y) vaccine prior to school starting.  There are no requirements for meningococcal B vaccine-please make sure your child is given the appropriate vaccine. 

****If the 1st dose of MCV4 was administered on or after the 16^th birthday, a 2nd dose is not required.  If the student is in 12^th grade and is 15 years or age or younger, only 1 dose is required.

This is a vaccine that is usually required for college admission.  Most students at this point may only need one vaccine if they are over 16 years old. 

As with other school immunization requirements, students who do not provide documentation of this immunization are subject to exclusion from school and school activities.  If your child is to be exempt from the vaccine, you will need to provide a written statement if it is for philosophical or religious reasons.  You will need a statement from your physician if it is for medical reasons. Please see information from the state law on the back side of this form.      

Parents are encouraged to ensure their child obtain this immunization and provide the school with the documentation prior to the first day of the 2023-2024 school year.  Please bring this information in before school starts so that your child will not have to face exclusion from school. 

Many parents found it difficult to get their child scheduled for the vaccines this past year, so it is suggested that you take care of this soon.  Your child can be excluded after the 15^th day of school if the vaccine has not been received. 

You may be offered other vaccines that are not required for school.  That is a decision you will need to make with the assistance of your physician. 

If your child does not have a doctor, or if you are unable to obtain an appointment, the Licking County Health Department offers ongoing vaccination clinics with a variety of hours and locations.  They currently have immunization clinics twice a week.  Please visit their website, www.lickingcohealth.org or call them at 740-349-6535 for more information regarding these days and times available.  

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns at 740-238-7115.    

Sincerely,

Michelle Johnson BSN RN LSN

Heath City Schools District Nurse