Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) announced today that more than 52 percent of MNPS seventh graders have not shown proof of immunization—putting at risk the health and safety of students and their attendance at school.
“Our first reporting window was yesterday (Aug. 9, 2017) and we have a lot of work to do,” said Dr. Tony R. Majors, executive officer of Student Services. “Today is the official notice date so they have until Wednesday, Aug. 16 to get their immunizations. Beginning Thursday Aug. 17, students will not be allowed to return to school without proof of immunization.”
Here are the numbers:
|
Enrollment:
4,168 |
Noncompliant:
2,174 |
District Percentage:
52.16% |
Three schools, Gra-Mar, Madison and Margaret Allen, have not yet reported. The next update is Friday, Aug. 11.
“Despite our efforts to inform families of the additional immunizations required for 7th grade, we continue to see large numbers of students arrive without proof they have had these vaccines,” Majors said. “We are asking local media to elevate reporting and awareness around this issue.”
The law requires parents to provide an updated Tennessee Immunization Certificate with proof of two additional immunizations before entering 7th grade:
1. Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster (“Tdap”): required regardless of Td history (2013 update)
2. Verification of immunity to varicella; (2 doses or history of disease)
Students can receive the immunizations, or obtain the updated certificate if they have already had the immunizations, from their doctor or, if eligible, from the Metro Public Health Department. The Health Department clinics are open from 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at Lentz, Woodbine and East locations.