State Officials Say NC Lagging In Immunizations Required For School

State health officials are urging parents to get their kids immunized before the start of the upcoming school year, and not just for COVID-19.

Officials with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services say the number of doctor visits for teen and preteen children dropped last year because of the pandemic. 

That's one reason they say the state is lagging behind in childhood immunizations. That includes shots for such vaccine-preventable diseases as tetanus, diphtheria, measles, and HPV.

According to an NCDHHS press release, as of the end of June, only about 25 percent of youth between 12 and 17 have had at least one COVID-19 shot even though they're eligible for it.

“This vaccine is very safe and effective and can be given at the same time as vaccines required for school,” said State Health Director and NCDHHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson.

Officials are urging parents to talk to their child's pediatrician or health care provider about which vaccines are due by the start of the school year.