CHARLOTTE – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools encourages parents to speak with their health care providers about the vaccinations students must have before Aug. 25, the first day of the school year.

“Families need to make their appointments early,” said Nancy Langenfeld, coordinated school health specialist for the district. “If families wait until August to schedule appointments, there may not be enough slots available across Mecklenburg County to ensure all students will be seen before the deadline.”

The exclusion date for students without vaccinations is Sept. 23. Students who are not compliant with vaccinations by this date will not be allowed to attend school until they have the shots.

Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students are required to have a physical exam and must be current on all childhood vaccinations. A booster shot called Tdap is required for all students who are entering the sixth grade and who have not had a tetanus booster shot in the past five years. The Tdap vaccine provides protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, also known as whooping cough.

To help families who need vaccinations, the Mecklenburg County Health Department has day and evening hours at its northwest department, at 2845 Beatties Ford Road and southeast department, at 249 Billingsley Road. Be sure to bring the student’s vaccination record and insurance information as the  vaccines may be a free. Call 704-336-6500 to make an appointment.

The Community Cruiser, sponsored by Presbyterian Hospital, also will dedicate time over the summer for immunizations. The cruiser visits the Solomon House, 200 S. Main Street, Huntersville the second Friday of each month.

For more information about the Community Cruiser, call 704-384-3031. For more information about the required vaccinations, call Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools at 980-343-6269 or the Mecklenburg County Health Department at 704-304-6500.