The Chatham County Health Department will hold a teen meningitis vaccination clinic from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 28th, at Jenkins High School in the cafeteria. No appointments necessary.
All students entering or transferring into 11th grade must have received a meningococcal booster shot (MCV4), unless their first dose was received on or after their 16th birthday. MCV4 helps prevent meningococcal disease, a bacterial infection that can be very dangerous. Meningococcal meningitis can cause swelling of the brain and spinal cord resulting in brain damage, hearing loss, or worse.
“This immunization requirement became effective in July 2021," said Chatham County Health Department Nurse Manager, Sierra Peebles, MSN, CPNP. “We're holding this clinic late in the day and not requiring appointments to make it as convenient as possible for teens who need this vaccination to get it."
Parents are not required to attend, but health department staff prefer that parents are on site with their teen. Most insurance will be accepted. A nominal administration fee will be charged for those without insurance.
Parents who are unsure if their teen needs this immunization are encouraged to call the health department at 912-356-2441.
