CONTACT: Mary Skau
(775) 624-7116 | mary@immunizenevada.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Reno, Nev. (June 19, 2017) — The 2017 – 2018 school year is just around the corner and beginning this school year, all Nevada students enrolling in 7th grade are required to receive one dose of the quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4 or MenACWY), among others. Students who do not receive their required immunizations will not be able to attend school until they are fully immunized in accordance with the State requirements.

In order to ensure all students have access to all required immunizations, Immunize Nevada has partnered with Health Plan of Nevada and Truckee Meadows Healthy Communities to host a Family Health Festival offering no cost immunizations and other back-to-school services. Immunizations are available for insured and uninsured children & teens under the age of 19 on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Those with insurance, including Nevada Checkup and Medicaid, should bring their cards. Parents should bring immunization records if available.

“A majority of Nevada students still need to get their MCV4 vaccine before school starts, so we are working with community partners throughout the state to ensure all students entering 7th grade can get vaccinated and protected to start school on time,” said Immunize Nevada Executive Director Heidi Parker.

The Back-to-School Family Health Festival is Saturday June, 24 from 9 a.m. to noon at Evelyn Mount Community Center at 1301 Valley Road in Reno. Numerous resources will be provided at the event including immunizations, sports physicals, Medicaid enrollment, car seat checks, and fun games and activities

Adolescents and young adults are among those at greatest risk for exposure to meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease can refer to any illness that is caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus. This infection can lead to brain damage, hearing loss, learning disabilities, amputations, and death. Vaccination is the best defense against meningococcal disease. This vaccine protects against four types of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease (serogroups A, C, W, and Y).

The new requirement also states that all students enrolled as a freshman of a Nevada university, 23 years or younger, may not attend school after September 1, 2017 without proof of meningococcal vaccination on or after age 16. Incoming students under the age 19 are encouraged to also attend the June 24th event.

Vaccines protect against a number of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk for diseases and can also spread diseases to others in their classrooms and community – including babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated, and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer or other health conditions.

Parents can find out more about the vaccines required to attend school in Nevada at www.immunizenevada.org/NVSchoolRequirements. They can also check and print their child’s immunization records at https://izrecord.nv.gov. First-time users may need to contact the Nevada WebIZ help desk at 1-877-NV-WebIZ (877-689-3249) or email izit@health.nv.gov.

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines to children who are underinsured or whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them. The VFC program helps children get their vaccines according to the recommended immunization schedule and has contributed directly to a substantial increase in childhood immunization.

Immunize Nevada is widely recognized as Nevada’s trusted resource for immunizations and community health for all ages by fostering education and statewide collaboration. Immunize Nevada’s vision is healthy communities across Nevada protected from vaccine-preventable disease. For more information, visit ImmunizeNevada.org.

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