Schools require Hepatitis B vaccination for 6th graders

By F.M. WIGGINS
All sixth grade students will again be required to be vaccinated for Hepatitis B. This state immunization program which began last year requires at least one of the series of three shots be administered before the school year begins, with an appointment for the remaining shots.
The Hopewell School Board advises that parents make an appointment with your child's physician to avoid problems entering Carter G. Woodson Middle School in the fall.
Kelly Stock, the School Board's Pupil Personnel Coordinator, said in an interview "parents need to present certification from their child's physician that their child has received at least one of the series of three before the school year." Stock went on to say, "there are exceptions, such as for religion or medical reasons, but all exceptions have to come through our office first."
"The children may start school with one shot, however they must have proof of an appointment for a second or third shot, and bring in updated vaccination records after each such appointment," Stock stated.
The vaccine is available through the Hopewell Health Department on Wednesday's from 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
"The Center for Disease Control's most recently approved accelerated schedule will allow someone to fully complete the vaccination process within four months," according to Joyce Roberts, vaccination coordinator for the Petersburg Department of Health. The second shot can be given one month after the first shot and the final shot four months after the first shot.
"In the year 2001, out of a total of 213 cases for the whole state, six of those cases were from people age 18 or younger, and for the year 2000 we had a total of 174 cases in the whole state and 12 were from people 18 and younger," according to Trina Lee.
Hepatitis B virus is a serious virus that affects the liver and can be deadly if left untreated. According to Idenix Pharmaceuticals Web site, www.idenix.com/hbv/hbv_overview.html. Hepatitis B is part of the Hepatitis family of viruses which cause an inflammation of the liver. Also according to Idenix Pharmaceuticals Web site, Chronic Hepatitis is defined as a liver inflammation for more than six months.
Symptoms of Hepatitis B include jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes, abdominal pain, liver enlargement, fatigue, weakness and nausea. Most people with Hepatitis B are unaware of the risks of the disease as well as whether or not they have the disease until it progresses to symptomatic stages.
If left untreated for a number of years, according to Idenix Pharmaceuticals Web site, this disease can cause cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Another health concern the School Board wants parents to be aware of is head lice. It is a Hopewell Public Schools policy to screen students for head lice during the school year. Any students found with head lice will be sent home from school with a letter explaining procedures for treatment.
According to a press release from the School Board, anyone can get head lice, and it is not a sign of poor health, low socioeconomic status or being dirty.
School nurses will be available, during the day to assist parents and answer questions to ensure that the student can return to school as soon as possible. Parents should caution their children against sharing combs, brushes and clothing, especially hats.

National News

World News

Vaccination News Home Page

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.

Primary Links

User login

Schools require Hepatitis B vaccination for 6th graders