Special to the Herald

EFFINGHAM COUNTY– Got a tiny tot getting ready to enter school? The Effingham County Health Department is hosting two events in March, offering screenings and vaccinations for children who will enter pre-K and Kindergarten in the fall.

The “Pre-K and Kindergarten, Here We Come!” clinics are scheduled for March 12 and March 21 by appointment at the health department at 802 US Highway 119 South in Springfield. The March 21 date includes after-hours appointments until 6:30 p.m.

“If you have a little one enrolling in pre-K or Kindergarten this year, it’s definitely not too early to start checking things off your to-do list,” said Bethany Thornton, nurse manager of the Effingham County Health Department. “The back-to-school season is stressful enough, so we encourage parents to take care of required school screenings and vaccinations as early as possible.”

All students entering a Georgia school for the first time must have a vision, hearing, dental, and nutrition screening. Children must also receive vaccinations for school attendance. Students can be denied school entry if vaccinations and screenings aren’t up to date.

Appointments are required and can be scheduled online anytime at www.bit.ly/3Ti6qMG or by calling the Effingham County Health Department at 912-754-6484 during regular clinic hours.

A parent or guardian must accompany the child to the appointment. Most insurance will be accepted, and a nominal administration fee will be charged for those without insurance. These online appointments are only for the pre-K and Kindergarten clinic. Call the clinic directly for all other vaccine appointments.