The Martin-Tyrrell-Washington District Health Department is available to assist with back-to-school physicals and required immunizations, district health director Terrell Davis announced Sept. 1.

All school-age children in North Carolina are required by state law to be up-to-date, based on their age, for certain vaccinations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Following CDC recommendations for vaccines is an essential step parents and guardians should take to protect their children’s health and that of their classmates,” said Wendy Holmes, head of the N.C. Immunization Branch. “Now is the time to check with your doctor or local health department to find out what vaccines your child needs.”

Vaccine-preventable diseases, such as chicken pox, meningitis, measles, pertussis (whooping cough) and others are still experienced throughout North Carolina. Keeping children up-to-date on vaccinations is the best way to protect schools and communities from diseases that can cause unnecessary absences from school, illnesses and even deaths, Holmes stated.

Any student who is not age-appropriately vaccinated on the first day of class attendance has 30 calendar days to obtain the required immunizations. No student will be allowed to attend class after the 30-day grace period without proof that all age-appropriate vaccinations have been received, cautioned state health director Randall Williams, M.D.

Required vaccinations can be found at www.immunize.nc.gov/schools/k-12.htm.

Tyrrell residents may contact the MTW Health Department at 252-793-1750.