When your senior student completes graduation practice, they will receive their senior packet. This includes some cute and nostalgic items from grade school, BUT, it also contains their current immunization record (as I have it). This is very important to pull and keep in a safe place. In fact, make many copies and keep in a safe place. You will not believe how many times, your graduate will ask you for them over the next 40 years starting with college this summer – better yet, make it their responsibility! I will not always be available during the summer when you may realize that colleges are asking for this document. You will have it! Please peruse this packet and pull this record.
Enjoy this time with your student as they prepare their wings for flight. Enjoy your summer – I wish you rest and relaxation.
Also, there are some Hellos and Goodbyes on the Immunization Scene...
We have managed to skate along the past couple of years with no changes on high school vaccinations. The last change was adding a second meningitis vaccination for 12th graders. Beginning next year it is recommended that 12th graders be in process or complete a 3 series of MenB, which is a meningococcal serogroup B vaccine.
It is also recommended that students in grades 6-12 receive Hepatitis A (2 series) and is a requirement for 12th graders for school year 2018-2019.
I am giving you this information now so that you have approximately 1 1/2 years to work on this as you visit and talk with your health care providers and especially to take advantage of the summer break to visit your HCP.
We say goodbye to a three dose HPV (human papillomavirus) series as that becomes a 2 dose series in May 2017 for any individual beginning the series before turning 15 and are given 6-12 months apart. If you begin the series after turning 15, you will continue with the 3 dose series.
Clear as mud? Feel free to call me with questions about what YOUR student needs – many have already had the Men B and the Hep A. I will be happy to discuss your student's immunization needs. Call (260) 483-1102, ext. 235 or email [email protected].
Jayne Dwyer-Reff, RN,
School Nurse