For high school juniors, time is running out to comply with a new requirement that all 16-year-old students in 11th grade get a meningitis booster shot. That’s why the Chatham County Health Department is holding a special Saturday clinic to help area students get up to date with this required vaccine.
The clinic was originally planned for October 1st but was canceled because of Hurricane Ian. The clinic will now be held Saturday, October 15th at Windsor Forest High School in Savannah.
Space is limited and appointments are required. Appointments 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. Patients with insurance should bring a copy of their insurance card to the clinic. Insurance will be billed when available, but there will be no out-of-pocket cost for the vaccination regardless of insurance status.
“We really hope parents will take advantage of this clinic and book a spot if their child needs the meningitis booster,” said Dr. Sierra Peebles, Nurse Manager of the Chatham County Health Department. “We don’t want any student to miss school because they don’t have required vaccines. Our goal is to help kids get up to date so they have the protection they need and no disruption to their school year.”
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.
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