Getting vaccinated is widely seen as a first step of getting prepared for college and parents are encouraged to take advantage of the convenience of this opportunity to protect their students early. The vaccination is a requirement for all Maryland college students residing on campus. Menactra, the vaccine being offered, may provide protection from the disease for up to 10 years. It is also given routinely to high school freshmen and children 11-12 years of age.

County Health Officer, William Icenhower, MD, MPH, strongly recommends meningococcal vaccination. Although rare, invasive meningococcal disease and meningitis are bacterial infections that progress rapidly and my cause sudden death or severe debilitation, such as multiple amputations, deafness, and brain damage.

Health officials note that the vaccine is safe and effective causing local reactions for 1-2 days in 11 to 59 percent of the recipients. The cost of the vaccine is $89. The health department will accept credit card, cash, or check payment, and provide a receipt for insurance reimbursement. Students under age 18, must have a parent sign a consent for the vaccination. Consent forms will be available in the high school nurses office or at the health department in Leonardtown. For more information call the health department at 301-475-4316

IMMUNIZATION LAWS HAVE CHANGED FOR ALL STUDENTS THROUGH THE 11TH GRADE.

PARENTS NEED TO CHECK WITH THEIR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER TO MAKE SURE THEIR CHILDREN ARE PROPERlY IMMUNIZED. PLEASE MAIL OR BRING PROOF OF IMMUNIZATION TO LHS PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY,YOUR CHILD WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND SCHOOL WITHOUT MEETING THESE REQUIREMENTS

The following vaccines are required for ALL STUDENTS PRE-K THROUGH 11TH GRADE

DTaP/DTP/DT/TD - 4 doses

Polio – 3 Doses

Measles – 2 Doses

Mumps – 1 Dose

Rubella – 1 Dose

*Hepatitis B Vaccine – 3 doses will be required for students grades Preschool – 11th grade. (This is a phase-in program. In 2009-2010 it will be Pre K – 12 )

* Varicella Vaccine – will be required for students in Preschool – 11th grade. One dose will be required if the student is under the age of 13. Two doses will be required for students 13 and older if they were not previously vaccinated. If the student has had the chicken pox disease, only documentation from a medical provider (not parent) stating month/year will be accepted.

Please call Mrs. Walsh or Mrs. Ordille at (301)475-0200 ext 105 or 149 with any questions