This is to inform you of the North Carolina immunization and health assessment requirements for students enrolled in public schools, including a new requirement for this school year and opportunities to help you meet these requirements if any apply to your children.

Parents of kindergarten students and any other students new to North Carolina public schools are required to submit an up to date immunization record and health assessment prior to, but no later than 30 calendar days after the start of school.  The deadline for this is September 15th.

7th-grade students are required to receive a Tdap booster and the first meningococcal vaccine.  

New this year, all 12th-grade students are required to receive a meningococcal booster.   The deadline for both of these requirements is also September 15th.

The office or clinic where your child receives their immunizations can fax the record to your child’s school if requested.

Here are a few options that may help.

Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge McDowell Medical Marion Express Care, located at 2293 Sugar Hill Rd in Marion will have a drive-thru immunization and health assessment clinic on Wednesday, August 5th and Wednesday, August 12th from 8 am-12 noon and 1 pm-4 pm both days. 

If your child has received any immunizations anywhere besides North Carolina, please bring your child’s immunization record with you so they can determine what immunizations your child may need.  They will file your insurance, including Medicaid.  Self-insured get a 30% discount and those uninsured will be asked for a $30 payment with a bill being sent for the rest.  No one will be turned away.  Check the McDowell News for an article with this information.

The McDowell County Health Department is providing immunizations and health assessments by appointment only.  They accept some insurances, including Medicaid and have a fee scale for those who are uninsured.  Call 652-6811 to make an appointment.

Mission Pediatrics McDowell is providing immunizations and health assessments by appointment.  Call 652-6386

Mission Community Medicine Nebo is also providing immunizations and health assessments by appointment.  Call 652-6326.

If you have any questions about these requirements or need resources to meet these requirements, please call your child’s school nurse.  The school nurses will be glad to assist you.