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HCCSC outlines students’ vaccination requirements

The Huntington County Community School Corporation says as students return to school this year there will be many differences but one requirement will stay the same.

The Indiana Department of Education and the Indiana State Department of Health are staying firm on the immunization requirements for students starting the 2020-21 school year. The requirements are set by the state and all schools in the state are mandated to follow.

Students entering kindergarten, sixth grade and 12th grade will have specific requirements. Kindergarten students still have the same requirements to enter kindergarten.

Sixth-grade students require a Tdap and Menningicoccal vaccine to start sixth grade. Students starting their senior year need a Menningicoccal vaccine as well.

All students in the district will also be required to be immunized for Hepatitis A. This is a two-part series with the second shot given six months after the first. If a student has one shot of the two-shot series they will be allowed to start school as long as an appointment is made for the second shot.

Duane Hougendobler, MD, of Parkview Physicians Group – Pediatrics, urges Huntington County parents not to neglect needed shots.

“Our biggest concern in healthcare is each child’s overall care and wellbeing,” he said. “We are concerned that during the COVID-19 pandemic, children will not get the vaccinations that can help them stay healthy now and in the future. We highly encourage parents to get their children’s well-child exams and vaccinations done so we can stop vaccine-preventable diseases that can have serious health consequences.”

Parents should call their child's pediatrician or family doctor to check immunization status and schedule an appointment. Parents can also call the local Health Department at 358-4831. Like a pediatrician or primary care provider, the health department can also check immunization status and give immunizations by scheduling a visit with the phone nurse.

Huntington County Community Schools are committed to starting the year with the best possible health for all students. For more information, contact Meg Friesen, HCCSC Corporation Nurse, at mfriesen@hccsc.k12.in.us.