JONES COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

State of the County Health Report

The State of the County Health Report is a brief document, presenting current information on the health status of Jones County. The report, developed by Jones County Healthy Carolinians, is meant to educate and inform the citizens, leaders, and agencies in the county on the health of our community and measure local progress in improving the health of Jones County residents. Please take a moment to review our 2009 State of the County Health Report.

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Starting with the 2008-09 school year, a booster dose of Tdap vaccine is required for all children before entering 6th grade that are enrolled in public school, or by age 12 for those not attending public school (private, religious, home schools) on or after August 1, 2008, if 5 years or more have passed since the last dose of tetanus-containing vaccine.

Tdap is a combination vaccine that provides protection against three diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. There has been an increase in pertussis cases in North Carolina and in the U.S. in recent years, making vaccination imperative. Tdap is recommended for all teenagers beginning at age 11 or 12. It is also recommended that adults receive a dose of Tdap to replace their next tetanus booster. Children are now required to receive this vaccine prior to 6th grade entry.

Contact your child’s health care provider or the Jones County Health Department to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine. While the Tdap vaccine is free, the health department will charge a small administrative fee if filing under Medicaid or private insurance.

While at the health department, ask about other vaccines your child might need. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following vaccines for this age group: Meningococcal, Hepatitis A, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (girls only), Flu and a second dose of Varicella (Chickenpox). These vaccines are not required by law, but are strongly recommended for adolescents.

Your child will need to bring proof of vaccination to the school on the first day of 6th grade. Acceptable proof of vaccination is a copy of the child’s Certificate of Immunization. You will have 30 days from the first day of attendance to present the required up-to-date immunization record for your child. If proof of vaccination is not provided by the end of the 30 calendar day period, the child will be suspended from school until he/she provides proof of immunization.

Do not delay! Make sure your child is ready and up-to-date on his/her immunization prior to the start of the 6th grade.

For more information please visit www.immunizenc.com or contact Christie Hardy or Jennifer Hawkins at 252-448-9111, ext. 291 or Christie.Hardy@jones.nc.gov, Jennifer.Hawkins@jones.nc.gov.

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