WV Department of Health Stresses the Importance of Back-to-School Vaccinations

In a recent press release, the West Virginia Department of Health (DH) reminded parents just how important it is that they arrange to get their school kids to receive the required immunization shots.

The DH says that because the schools’ congregate students closely together, it is especially important to have all students vaccinated.

For the upcoming school year, all children entering school in West Virginia grades K-12 must show proof of immunization against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and hepatitis B unless a medical exemption is approved by DH. Additional proof of immunization is required for children entering grades 7 and 12 for diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and meningococcal disease unless a medical exemption is approved by DH.

The DH went on to say that the first positive case of measles in West Virginia was confirmed in Monongalia County back in April. Since then, the DH has learned that 128 West Virginia residents from 30 counties and 24 out-of-state contacts from four neighboring states have been potentially exposed to measles, which demonstrated the importance of the vaccinations. They said Measles, in particular, poses serious health risks, especially for our most vulnerable children.

The DH hopes that parents schedule their kids for these vaccinations since summer is winding down,

The DH also recently launched a new resource – My IR Mobile (which stands for “My Immunization Records Mobile” – for residents in need of their vaccination records, allowing patients to review their immunization history and print their own official records at this website: https://myirmobile.com/

“Accessing your child’s immunization records has never been simpler,” added Dr. Matthew Christiansen, State Health Officer. “While My IR Mobile offers convenient online access, we encourage individuals with questions to consult their pediatrician or primary care provider.”

Remember these immunizations are required of all students entering the schools this year, unless the Department of Health approved a medical exemption.