The Guilford County Division of Public Health urges parents and guardians to review their children’s vaccination records and ensure all required immunizations are completed before the start of kindergarten this fall.
Immunizations are a vital component of school readiness and play a key role in protecting children and the broader community from preventable diseases such as measles, mumps and whooping cough.
"Immunizations remain a safe and proven way to keep children healthy," said Courtney McFadden, Guilford County Public Health Director. "Ensure your child has all recommended vaccines before the new school year gets underway."
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 in May and 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.