Vaccines required before Ohio students head back to school

CINCINNATI - Before heading back to school, parents need to make sure their children are up to date on their vaccinations.

Ohio law requires all students entering seventh grade to receive a Tdap booster immunization before the start of the new school year. The vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis or whooping cough.

Immunizations aren't just for young children. Some college students need them too.

Emma Groethe, a nurse practitioner at CVS, said students entering dormitories for the first time are at increased risk for bacterial meningitis, a potentially deadly infection.

"We really advise the meningitis vaccine," said Groethe. "They (students) will perhaps have had that earlier, but if it's been more than five years they need an update if they're going into crowded dormitories."

Ohio law does not require college students to get the meningitis vaccine, however, they must provide documentation whether or not they've received it.

If you're unsure of your child's immunization requirements, check with your doctor, your child's school, or your health department.

For more information, check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines:
- Meningitis state requirements
- Pertussis state requirements