Health Department Adds Hours to Meet Back-to-School Immunization Demand

Getting vaccinated is probably every student's least favorite back-to-school activity, but officials at the Macomb County Health Department say it is one of the most important.

"Vaccine-preventable diseases have not gone away," said Dr. Kevin P. Lokar, medical director with the health department, in a release. "In fact, three cases of tetanus were recently reported in Michigan."

In September 2010, the State of Michigan passed new school immunization rules for children entering sixth grade as well as all students 11-18 years of age changing school districts.

These vaccinations are mandatory for all public and private schools in Michigan. Parents can opt to sign a waiver, but must present a valid medical, religious and philosophical reason for doing so.

Through Sept. 17, the health department will add additional evening and weekend clinic hours to meet immunization demand.

What You Need:

• Immunization record(s)
• Insurance card(s)
• Cash or check for payment

Parents or guardians can also print off and complete the registration forms ahead of time from the health department website.

Mount Clemens Health Center, 43525 Elizabeth Road, Mount Clemens

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Wednesday: 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 27: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

, 25401 Harper, St. Clair Shores

• Monday: 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
• Tuesday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 10: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Southwest Health Center, 27690 Van Dyke, Suite B, Warren 

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Thursday: 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 17: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Immunization Requirements for All Public and Nonpublic Schools

4-6 years

• Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis – four doses DTP or DTaP, one dose must be on or after age 4
• Polio – four doses, if dose three administered on or after age 4, only three doses are required
• Measles, mumps, rubella – two doses on or after 12 months of age
• Hepatitis B – three doses
• Meningococcal – None
• Varicella (chickenpox) – two doses of varicella vaccine at or after 12 months of age or current lab immunity or reliable history of disease

7-18 years, including all sixth-grade students

• Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis – four doses D and T or three doses Td if the first was given on or after age 7. One dose of Tdap for children age 11-18 if it has been five years since the last dose of tetanus/diphtheria vaccine was given.
• Polio – three doses
• Measles, mumps, rubella – two doses on or after 12 months of age
• Hepatitis B – three doses
• Meningococcal – one dose for children age 11 or older upon entry into sixth grade or higher
• Varicella (Chickenpox) – two doses of varicella vaccine at or after 12 months of age or current lab immunity or reliable history of disease

For a list of vaccinations required for infants to 4 years of age, click .