Immunizations aren’t just for little kids – did you know teens need several important vaccines to be protected against diseases? Georgia law requires immunizations for children and teens in school and college. There are also new vaccines that are recommended to keep teens healthy. The Chatham County Health Department will hold several meningitis vaccination clinics for teens in April and May to help local students get up to date on required school vaccines. All Georgia students going into 11th grade who are at least 16 years of age must receive a booster shot to protect against meningitis.
Four vaccination events for teens will be held at the Eisenhower Clinic at 1395 Eisenhower Drive from 3-6 p.m. on the following dates:
- April 20
- April 27
- May 4
- May 11
Appointments are required and can be scheduled online at coastalhealthdistrict.org/teenclinic or by calling the Chatham County Health Department at 912-356-2441. A parent or guardian must accompany the child to the appointment.
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.
