Mississippi state health officials and local school administration are encouraging parents to have students up to date on their immunization.
Officials with the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) remind parents not to wait until the last minute for back-to-school immunizations, according to a statement released by MSDH.
Mississippi state law requires children to be immunized against childhood diseases before entering public or private school, Head Start or day care, the release stated.
Dr. Teresa Jackson, Winona-Montgomery Consolidated School District superintendent, said immunization is important because it protects the child from deadly diseases and protects other children by decreasing the spread of the diseases.
“We definitely want to keep our students and employees protected from communicable diseases,” said Jackson.
More than 99 percent of students entering kindergarten in this state are up to date on their immunizations, protecting them – and others who cannot be vaccinated – against potentially deadly diseases, according to MSDH.
“There are many options for where to get your vaccinations now, including private medical providers, retail pharmacies and county health departments,” said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers. “Regardless of where you have your child vaccinated, it’s incredibly important to make sure they are up to date on their immunizations. It is the best protection for your child and those around them.”
There are required vaccinations for first-time school entry in Mississippi as well as a requirement for seventh grade entry. Parents must provide schools with a Certificate of Immunization Compliance (Form 121) prior to school entry, the MSDH release stated.
Parents can get Form 121 from their child’s immunization provider, but the MSDH now offers a convenient way for parents to check their child’s immunizations record online and print out the required Form 121 or download the document to send to the school.
MyIR Mobile is an online portal that gives users access to their official state immunization records. MyIR Mobile allows users to not only see their own immunization records, but also to add family members to their profiles to see if their child is up-to-date or needs their next vaccination. If none are needed, a certified Form 121 can be downloaded or printed, the release stated.
MyIR Mobile requires identity verification through a phone number or email address to keep records safe and secure. Only immunization records of Mississippi residents are accessible through this program. MyIR Mobile is available at www.MyIRMobile.com, according to the release.
Most county health department clinics are offering special fast track immunization clinics ahead of the back-to-school rush. Parents can call the Carroll County or Montgomery County health department for dates and times of these special clinics, stated the release.
Parents of newborns and young children can see the required immunization schedule at MSDH.ms.gov/immunizations. Recommended vaccinations for adolescents and teens include those against meningococcal disease.
Follow MSDH by email and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.
