CHARLOTTE ­– Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is encouraging parents to check with their health-care provider to make sure their children have necessary vaccinations before Aug. 25, the first day of the 2011-12 school year.

If students don’t show proof of the needed vaccinations by Sept. 23, administrators will prohibit them from attending school until parents produce documentation.

Parents of students entering pre-kindergarten and kindergarten must present a physical exam report and proof of all childhood vaccinations by the first day of school. A doctor must have completed the physical report within a year of Aug. 25.

Students entering the sixth grade must have a booster shot called Tdap if they have not gotten a booster shot containing tetanus in the past five years. The Tdap vaccine provides protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, also known as whooping cough.

To help families whose children need vaccinations, the Mecklenburg County Health Department has day and evening hours. Call the department at 704-336- 6500 to make an appointment and bring the student’s vaccination record and insurance information, as there may be a fee.

Find a list of required vaccinations online at http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/cmsdepartments/csh/Documents.