Attention: Onslow County Parents-- New Immunization Requirements for Students

This is an important message for all North Carolina parents of school age and college students.

Beginning with the 2008-2009 school year, new immunization requirements will be enforced. The news media has done a good job of spreading the message in North Carolina.

But, if you are relocating to Camp LeJeune Marine Base, New River Air Station or Naval Hospital at Camp LeJeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina; you may not be aware of the new requirements.

Or perhaps you are buying a new home in Hubert, Swansboro, Richlands, Maysville or Jacksonville North Carolina...... the word may not have reached you.

The rule change goes into effect beginning with the 2008-2009 school year which begins in August 2008.

The new rule states that a booster dose of Tdap vaccine is required for the following individuals:

• All students attending public school who are entering the 6th grade on or after August 1, 2008, if five years or more have passed since the last dose of tetanus/diphtheria toxoid.
• All students not attending public schools (i.e., private, home-school, non-traditional schools) who are 12 years of age on or after August 1, 2008, if five years or more have passed since the last dose of tetanus/diphtheria toxoid.
• Individuals enrolling in college or university for the first time on or after July 1, 2008, if a tetanus/diphtheria toxoid or tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis vaccine has not been administered within the past 10 years.

Regarding the change for the mumps vaccination.

Students are now required to receive a second dose of mumps vaccine before enrolling in school, college or university for the first time. However, any child entering school prior to July 1, 2008 is not required to receive a second dose of mumps vaccine. Children were previously required to have only one dose of mumps vaccine. Most children already receive two doses of the MMR vaccine (measles-mumps-rubella) by age four. Therefore, this rule will primarily affect children who received single dose of the vaccines.

Since these vaccinations are required, students will be able to receive the booster dose of Tdap and the second dose of mumps free. Parents should set up an appointment with their child’s doctor or local health department to receive the immunization prior to the beginning of school. . The vaccine will be free-- however, the doctor may charge a fee.

For more information about the immunization rule change, visit www.immunizenc.com or contact your doctor or the local health department, or the Immunization Branch at 919-707-5550.

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist 910 459 9189 Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

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