The Chatham County Health Department is hosting a series of meningitis vaccine clinics for rising high school juniors, with the first event happening Thursday, April 20th. All students in Georgia who are at least 16 years of age are required to have a meningococcal booster shot when entering 11th grade. Students can be denied school entry if vaccinations aren’t up to date.
Dr. Sierra Peebles, nurse manager of the Chatham County Health Department, hopes these special vaccine events will help families avoid the back-to-school rush. “Every year we see a big demand for school vaccine appointments in late summer and early fall which can lead to delays and long wait times,” said Peebles. “If you have a 10th grader who is already 16 years old, you can take care of this booster shot requirement now, saving you time and frustration later.”
Four meningococcal booster shot events will be held at the Eisenhower Clinic at 1395 Eisenhower Drive. Appointments are available from 3-6 p.m. on:
- April 20
- April 27
- May 4
- May 11
Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling the Chatham County Health Department at 912-356-2441. A parent or guardian must accompany the child to the appointment. Most insurance will be accepted, and a nominal administration fee will be charged for those without insurance. These online appointments are ONLY for meningococcal booster shots for teens. Please call the clinic directly for all other vaccine appointments.
The meningococcal booster shot helps prevent meningococcal disease, a bacterial infection that is very serious and can be deadly in a matter of hours. Meningitis is a swelling of the brain and spinal cord and can result in brain damage, hearing loss, or worse. Disease levels increase in adolescence starting around age 11, and peak around age 19 years. Georgia students already receive a meningococcal vaccination before entering 7th grade, and this new booster will provide added protection during these peak years of risk.
