Immunizations-Get a Jump on the School Year
As you enjoy your summer, it is important to consider the upcoming school year. Take a moment to check your children’s immunization records and schedule appointments early with your pediatrician. Appointments can fill up fast and, before you know it, it will be time to register for school once more.
- Clarendon 2 – registration is July 30-Aug. 3
- Florence 1 – registration is Aug. 6-10 for high school students, and Aug. 8-9 for elementary and middle school students
- Florence 2 – registration is Aug. 6 for seniors and Aug. 7 for 4K-11th grade
- Florence 3 – Parents can register at any school Monday-Thursday
- Florence 4 – registration is from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Aug. 8-9 for elementary students, and Aug. 6-10 for middle and high school students
- Florence 5 – registration will be held for all students from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Aug. 1, and 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Aug. 2, in the Johnsonville Middle School gymnasium
- Williamsburg – parents should check with individual schools for registration information
Immunization requirements for school entry generally follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices guidelines. In South Carolina, that means rising seventh graders are required to have received one dose of Tdap which provides protection from bacterial infections such as tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).
Along with the Tdap vaccine, all children ages 11 and 12 should be vaccinated with a meningococcal conjugate vaccine. A booster dose is recommended at age 16. The HPV vaccination is also recommended beginning at age 11, with a booster dose in 6-12 months to protect against HPV infections that can cause cancer.
Teens and young adults (16-23 years) may also be vaccinated with a serogroup B meningococcal vaccine.
Check with your child’s school for their vaccination requirements and schedule a well child visit with your pediatrician to ensure your children’s vaccinations are up to date.
