Onslow County Health Department will bring required Tdap and meningococcal shots to schools; forms due March 13

Alessandra Sams of the Onslow County Health Department described a school-based immunization outreach to help families meet required vaccination updates for rising seventh and twelfth graders.

"We can take those immunizations actually to the schools," Sams said, explaining that the department is partnering with Onslow County Schools so school nurses can collect QR-coded consent forms sent to parents. Parents who complete the online form will allow health staff to administer immunizations at school.

Sams said rising seventh graders need the first meningococcal vaccine dose and Tdap; rising twelfth graders need the second meningococcal dose. The health department set a form-return deadline of close of business on March 13; the in-school outreach is scheduled for April 27–May 1.

Sams advised parents who want information to call the health department main number, contact their school nurse, or visit the Onslow County Health Department webpage. No changes to law or vaccination requirements were announced; Sams described operational outreach to help families meet existing school immunization requirements.