Special to the Herald

EFFINGHAM COUNTY – Avoid the back-to-school rush and bring your child to one of the school vaccination and screening events hosted by the Effingham County Health Department this summer.

Children entering pre-K or kindergarten, 7th grade, and 11th grade are required to have certain vaccinations for school attendance. A hearing, vision, dental, and nutrition screening is also required for any student attending school in Georgia for the first time regardless of grade.

“Every fall when school starts, we see a spike in demand for these school screenings and vaccinations,” said Angela Hartley, clinical director for the Coastal Health District. “Sometimes it can take weeks to get an appointment if you wait until the last minute, and then students are at risk of being unenrolled from school. We really encourage parents to take care of this important step during the summer before school begins.”

The Effingham County Health Department is hosting special back-to-school clinics on July 23 and 25 at the clinic at 802 Hwy 119 South in Springfield by appointment only. To make an appointment, call the health department at 912-754-6484 during clinic hours. Space is limited.

Other health departments in the Coastal Health District are also offering back-to-school events this summer. For a full list of events, visit www.coastalhealthdistrict.org.