LUMBERTON — PSRC students are encouraged to receive immunizations and health assessments as state law requires by Sept. 27, which is next Tuesday.
“Vaccines are essential to getting children off to a healthy start in life and keeping them healthy as they grow up,” according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Vaccinating children helps prevent the development of deadly or incurable viruses and diseases. Thus, immunizations can help protect your child from disease and even save your child's life.
The school district’s top priorities include the health and safety of students as they learn, said Jennifer Freeman, assistant superintendent of Student Services, Intervention and Support at PSRC.
“The Public Schools of Robeson County is committed to providing healthy and equitable learning environments conducive to student development and academic achievement,” she said.
“We ask that parents partner with us in this effort to provide students with the best outcomes possible,” Freeman added.
State requirements
By law, students are given 30 days after the start of school to complete the NC State Immunization and Health Assessment Requirements. Students will not be allowed to attend school after the date until the immunizations and/or health assessment requirements have been met. The absences will be coded "unexcused.”
Kindergarten students must have a completed immunization record and a health assessment turned in by the date. Additionally, students in seventh grade must receive the Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines.
All 12th graders are required to have received a second dose of the Meningococcal vaccine. This also applies to students who transition to senior status after the first semester (i.e. January 2023).
Any new student to North Carolina Public Schools must have an NC Health Assessment completed within the first 30 calendar days from enrollment.
Additional information
For more information, please contact your student’s school nurse.
You may also visit www.cdc.gov to research the importance of vaccinations.