New health requirement for Geneva 6th graders

Parents of Geneva Middle School sixth-graders are advised that a new mandatory immunization requirement must be met before their son ordaughter can start school in September. ³At this point,² said John Arthur, Assistant Principal, ³nearly three fourths of our incoming sixth graders and parents have not complied.² Arthur explained that the mandates prevent the school from allowing studentsto start school without the required paperwork filed with the school nurse. In order to enter the school building on Sept. 3, according to New YorkState Health Mandates, all students who are 11 years old by Sept. 1 mustreceive the Tdap immunization before starting the sixth grade. The Tdap shotis a new tetanus booster that offers additional protection againstpertussis. Ten-year-old students will be allowed to enter in September, but arerequired to be immunized as soon as they turn 11 years old. Also, Middle School students must also have the chicken pox vaccine, or showdocumentation from their doctor to prove they have had the disease. Arthur encouraged parents to contact their son or daughter¹s personalphysician as soon as possible to make arrangements to get the requiredimmunizations. If you cannot get into your physician¹s office before Aug.29, he added, parents might want to contact Ontario County Public Health at1-800-299-2995 for upcoming vaccination clinics. Parents can hand deliver, fax (781-0694), or mail the proof of immunizationto the Geneva Middle School, 101 Carter Road, Geneva, NY 14456 before Aug.29 at 3 p.m. Arthur suggested that parents with questions contact the Middle Schoolnurse, Patty Seelbach, at 781-4138.