ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond County Health Department is offering immunization clinics starting later this week for the upcoming school year.
Public school students are required to receive several vaccinations prior to the start of certain school years.
Citing state law, Richmond County Schools requires students entering Kindergarten to have the following vaccines:
* DTaP is usually given to children under 7 years old, Tdap is given to older children and adults
** The health department lists both vaccines for 4-year-olds only
When entering seventh grade, RCS says students should be up-to-date on the vaccines required for Kindergarten and receive one dose each of the Tdap and meningococcal conjugate vaccines.
Rising seniors are required to have an additional dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine for a total of two doses. However, RCS notes that a second dose is not required if the first dose was given after the 16th birthday.
According to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, vaccine exemptions are available for medical — severe allergy or weakened immune system — and religious reasons, but not personal and philosophical beliefs.
Medical exemption forms are available online and should be filled out by the child’s doctor.
While there is no religious exemption form, parents are encouraged to write a statement of objection and send it to the school.
The clinics will be open from 2-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 16 and Wednesday, Aug. 20, and walk-ins are welcome.
For more information, call 910-997-8301.
NOTE: The photo for this story has been updated. 11:45 a.m. 7-15-25
