Free new vaccines for Wicomico County students

Back to school time can mean books, a new haircut, and for kindergarteners and 7th graders in Wicomico County, it can also mean time to get vaccinated.

Maryland immunization laws state that children must be excluded from school if they do not have up to date immunizations within 20 calendar days of admission to school.

The 2014 – 2015 school year made some changes to the vaccination requirements for kindergarten and 7th grade students. School officials say they’re not having a problem with the younger kids. However, they are experiencing difficulty getting their 7th graders to get their shots on time.

Diane Pellegrino, the Health Services Coordinator for Wicomico County Public Schools says, “It’s a lot harder to get the 7th graders into the doctor’s office. They need a booster TDAP which is a tetanus shot. They also need a Meningococcal Meningitis shot. These are boosters that they need to stay in school.”

To curb the costs of the new vaccines, Wicomico County Public Schools have partnered with the county Health Department. They’ll be hosting several free walk- in clinics.

The dates and times are below:

8 a.m.-noon Sept. 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22 and 23, and from 5-7:30 Sept. 16 only.