Vaccinations are needed for children returning to school.
Marion County Public Health Nurse Judi Van Hulzen says Kindergarteners need to have TDAP, MMR, Varicella injections. Van Hulzen says mild side effects can occur, but compared to the potential consequences for children’s health and well-being they are easy to deal with. She adds that vaccination affects not only the child but all the other children and adults they come in contact with who may not have the immune system to combat potentially life-threatening diseases. A TDAP vaccination is required to start 7th grade and HPV and meningococcal vaccinations are recommended. Van Hulzen encourages anyone with questions or needing vaccinations to contact the Marion County Public Health Office in Knoxville at 641-828-2238.