Attention Parents / Guardians of Students Entering 7Th Grade.

All West Virginia students entering 7th grade must have one dose of the Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) and one dose of the Meningococcal vaccine. Students must also have a record of a Dental and Physical Exam before entering 7th grade. Students will be excluded from school by state law if not received.

Meningitis- poses a serious threat to adolescents. Meningitis can kill a healthy person in 48 hours or less. Up to 1 in 5 survivors of Meningitis have problems the rest of their lives, due to the loss of limbs, scarring, hearing loss and neurological damage.

Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis (Whooping Cough)- Pertussis is spread by coughing and sneezing. Anyone can catch Pertussis and spread it to others, including infants.

Call your primary care physician to schedule a vaccine review and immunizations for your adolescent. If you do not have a primary care provider you may contact the Ritchie Regional School Based Health Center at the Parkersburg South campus (304-699-0809), the Jefferson campus (304-699-0506) or the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department (304-485-7374).

PLEASE BRING THE COPIES OF THE UPDATED IMMUNIZATION RECORD, DENTAL RECORD, AND PHYSICAL EXAM RECORD BY THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL TO THE SCHOOL NURSE.