WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio — Fayette County Public Health will hold two late-night immunization clinics next month to help working families get their children caught up on required school shots before the fall semester begins.
The health department said in a Facebook post it will keep its immunization clinic open until 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 3, and Monday, Aug. 10, extending its hours beyond the normal daytime schedule specifically for families who cannot make it in during the day. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling 740-335-5910.
The extended hours come as Ohio schools prepare to reopen for the fall semester in August. State law gives families a narrow window to comply: under Ohio Revised Code Section 3313.671, students cannot remain enrolled in school for more than 14 days without presenting written proof of immunization or an approved exemption.
Ohio requires all students to be immunized against mumps, polio, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles and rubella. Kindergartners must also show proof of hepatitis B and chickenpox vaccination. Seventh graders are required to have received a Tdap booster and a meningococcal vaccine, and 12th graders need a second dose of the meningococcal vaccine unless their first dose came on or after their 16th birthday, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
Students who have begun but not completed the required vaccination series can still be admitted to school if they provide documentation of each additional dose as it is completed. Ohio law also allows exemptions for students with documented natural immunity, a parent’s written declination for reasons of conscience or religion, or a physician’s certification that a vaccine is medically inappropriate.
Fayette County Public Health, located at 317 S. Fayette St. in Washington Court House, provides childhood immunizations year-round in addition to services including WIC, communicable disease management, environmental health and school nursing support, according to the agency. Families with questions about which immunizations their child needs can call the health department at 740-335-5910.
The information contained in this story was obtained from Fayette County Public Health.
