To keep children in schools healthy, Maryland requires that all students be vaccinated against certain highly contagious diseases prior to starting school. Ensuring your child receives all recommended vaccinations is one of the most important ways you as a parent can contribute to his or her long-term health. In addition, vaccinating your child protects the health of others in your community, including those who are too vulnerable to be vaccinated.
Get Required Vaccinations at RediClinic
If you are unsure whether your child’s immunizations are current, walk into your nearest Baltimore RediClinic at your convenience. Our board-certified clinicians can explain all of the immunizations required by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for the 2015-2016 school year. A clinician will determine which of the following mandatory vaccinations your child needs by reviewing his or her current record.
- Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough): 4 doses of DTaP, DTP or DT vaccine.
- Polio: 3 doses of polio vaccine.
- Measles: 2 doses of measles vaccine received on or after student’s first birthday.
- Mumps: 1 dose of mumps vaccine on or after the student’s first birthday.
- Rubella: 1 dose of rubella vaccine on or after the student’s first birthday.
- Varicella (Chickenpox): 1 dose of varicella vaccine required for students less than 13 years of age on or after student’s first birthday; or 2 doses required for previously unvaccinated students 13 years of age and older.
- Hepatitis B: 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine.
As a reminder, new vaccination requirements took effect last year that affect students enrolling in school in Maryland. These include:
- 2 doses of Varicella vaccine for entry into Kindergarten and first grade.
- 1 dose of Tdap vaccine for entry into seventh and eighth grades.
- 1 dose of Meningococcal vaccine for entry into seventh and eighth grades.
Parents and legal guardians have the right to choose not immunize their children based on medical, religious or philosophical reasons. However, this choice is not without risk.
Avoid the Back-to-School Rush
Don’t delay school immunizations. Get your child the vaccines he or she needs before the back-to-school rush by walking into one of 10 Baltimore/Washington DC Metro area RediClinics today, with no appointment needed. Our board-certified clinicians are at your service, often with wait times of 15 minutes or less.
