Metro Health creates program to offer required vaccinations in middle schools
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – The Metro Public Health Department (MPHD) introduced a new strategy to make sure students don’t miss a day of school because they are without the required immunizations.
State officials reported 376 rising seventh graders were not up-to-date on their necessary Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (T-dap) booster vaccine last year.
How effective is this year’s flu shot? CDC explains.
In an effort to try and get ahead of the curve, MPHD is offering back-to-school immunization clinics throughout the rest of the spring 2024 semester.
“The more we can immunize now, the lower that number will be in the fall,” said Matt Peters, director of communications for MPHD. “While we’re one option, we’re not the only place you can get them, but as long as you’re up to date, that’s good. You’re keeping your child protected and their classmates.”
The required T-dap shot, as well as the recommended Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Meningococcal vaccines, will be offered.
CDC warns of looming tetanus shot shortages this summer
“We know how important it is that our community be vaccinated and protected from any threat that might be there,” Peters said. “If there’s a way we can eliminate a barrier, we’re going to try to do that, and if that means bringing vaccines to somewhere where you already are, we’re going to do that.”
Peters said MPHD did a trial run of this immunization program last year and 220 students participated.
⏩ Read today’s top stories on wkrn.com
“Kids are already in school right now when we’re going to be there, so we want to make it as easy as we can for their parents so it’s one less thing to think about, and then they can go into summer and not have to worry about it,” Peters said. “We did bring this, we did this program last year on a trial basis, and 220 students participated, and so that’s 220 students that didn’t have to miss out on class because they were ready to go.”
The immunization clinics kicked off Tuesday at Apollo Middle School. These clinics are scheduled at 27 different places around the community through May 15.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
