With the next school year around the corner, the Guilford County Division of Public Heath urges all parents and guardians to make sure their children are up to date on required vaccinations before starting kindergarten.
Immunizations are not only a critical part of school readiness—they are essential to protecting each child and the community from preventable diseases like measles, mumps and whooping cough.
"Vaccines are safe, effective and one of the best ways to keep your child healthy," said Anita Ramachandran, Guilford County Interim Public Health Director. “Before your child walks through the school doors, make sure they are protected."
The North Carolina General Statutes (G.S. 130A-152(a)) require children entering kindergarten to have up-to-date immunizations including MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), polio and varicella (chickenpox). Parents are requested to provide proof of vaccinations at their child’s school at the time of kindergarten enrollment. Guilford County Schools requires proof of immunization within thirty calendar days of the first enrollment date. For a full list of required vaccinations, visit the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Parents should contact their child’s healthcare provider to schedule any missing vaccinations. The Guilford County Division of Public Health also is offering kindergarten immunization appointments throughout the summer from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at Greensboro (1100 East Wendover Avenue) and High Point (501 East Green Drive) locations. Call 336-641-3245 to schedule an appointment for your child. Please bring your child’s health insurance (including Medicaid) information and immunization record with you to the appointment.