State Grants More Time for Seventh-Graders to Get Immunized

Montgomery  County Public Schools has applied for a 45-day waiver from the state Health and Human Services Department to allow seventh-graders who have not yet complied with the new state immunizations requirements another 45 days to get the vaccinations they need.

Photo | Public Health

“At this point we are continuing to work with families to ensure students get the immunizations they need. We hope to hear from the state quickly,” MCPS spokesman Dana Tofig wrote MyMCMedia in an email Monday.

In Montgomery County Monday, 487 students still did not have proof that they met the new requirements, Montgomery County Health and Human Services Spokesperson Mary Anderson told MyMCMedia Monday.

According to a letter from Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Secretary Joshua M. Sharfstein all public schools in Maryland can submit a request for an extension to the deadline to give students the extra time to get the vaccinations and they can stay in school during that time. Schools must send the state health agency an outreach plan by Oct. 2 detailing how the school systems will identify all students who lack the immunizations and how to provide ways to help students comply.

New immunization requirements have gone into effect for seventh-graders this year that require all students to receive the TDAP and MCV vaccines. These vaccinations protect students against meningitis, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, also known as whooping cough.

According to the letter, the school system must submit a final report demonstrating compliance of the new requirements by Nov. 3.

About Krista Brick

Krista Brick is a multi-media journalist with Montgomery Community Media.

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