Parents are being urged to review their 7th grade children’s immunization records to ensure they are up-to-date.  The health department will be visiting each middle school during the months of September and October.  Parents should check with their children’s school to learn the dates of those clinics. 

The goal of the initiateve is to ensure that all 7th grade students are offered vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and meningicoccal disease and to raise awareness among parents and adolescents about adolescent immunization.

West Virginia’s Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services has reported increased rates of pertussis (whooping cough) and meningitis in 2009.  The initiative will provide both vaccines free to 7th graders, regardless of income level or insurance coverage.

For more information on the project call the health department at 304-845-7840 or visit the following links:

Tdap Facts for Parents

Tdap Vaccine Information Sheet

Are You 11 - 19 Years Old?

Pertussis Signs and Symptoms

Meningococcal Vaccine Information Sheet