Back-to-school prep starts now

Backpacks, school supplies and class schedules are all part of getting ready for a new school year — but so are important health and enrollment requirements. With students returning to classrooms on Monday, August 10, the Southern Nevada Health District is encouraging families to plan ahead now for required school immunizations, certified birth certificates and sports physicals.

“By scheduling appointments and ordering birth certificates early, parents and guardians can avoid the back-to-school rush and help ensure students are healthy, prepared and ready for a successful start to the school year,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Health District.

School immunizations

Appointments are available at Health District immunization clinics across the Valley for children entering kindergarten, seventh grade and 12th grade. Families may also choose to receive vaccinations through their pediatrician or a local pharmacy.

Students enrolled in Nevada schools are required to be vaccinated against chickenpox (varicella), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, polio, tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (DTaP and Tdap), meningococcal disease (MenACWY), and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). Families who recently moved to Nevada should be aware that some requirements may differ from other states, including Nevada’s hepatitis A vaccination requirement for school enrollment.

Nevada students entering seventh grade must receive the Tdap vaccine and the MenACWY vaccine. The MenACWY vaccine is also required for students entering 12th grade and for students in grades eight through 12 who are new to Nevada schools

The Health District also offers recommended vaccinations for children and teens, including HPV, COVID-19 and meningitis B vaccines.

Birth certificates

A certified birth certificate is required for school enrollment and may also be needed for sports participation and other school activities. Families are encouraged to order birth certificates early to avoid delays during the busy back-to-school season.

The Health District recommends ordering directly through its Vital Records Office to avoid unnecessary fees charged by third-party vendors.

Sports Physicals

The Health District’s Southern Nevada Community Health Center is offering $20 sports physicals for children and teens preparing for the school year. Appointments are encouraged, though walk-in availability may be limited.

Learn more:

• For immunization appointments and clinic locations, go to www.snhd.info/immunizations or call (702) 759-0850.
• To order birth certificates, go to www.snhd.info/birth-certificates.
• To schedule an appointment for a sports physical, go to SNCHC.org or call (702) 759-1700.