Back-to-school season initiates several “to-do’s” and tasks for families preparing for enrollment. This year, a new partnership between USD 428 and the Barton County Health Department will provide a convenient opportunity for students to receive their state-required immunizations in conjunction with Athletic Physicals scheduled for the morning of August 3 at Great Bend High School.
“Supporting the health and wellness of our students is top priority,” said Dana Wilson, school nurse at USD 428. “Immunizations protect our student body from a wide variety of health threats. We are excited to make immunizations more accessible and convenient on a Saturday morning, and in a familiar location like GBHS.
“Two recent additions to state-required immunizations go into effect August 2,” said Wilson. “Kindergarten and first-grade students will now be required to have a Hepatitis A vaccine, and the meningococcal vaccine at seventh-grade and a second dose at their junior (11th-grade) year. A full list of immunizations required by the State of Kansas, including these additions, is available on the USD 428 website for parents to reference.”
The Barton County Health Department will have all state-required immunizations available at the GBHS Commons Area from 7–10 a.m. on Saturday, August 3. School-age children in grades K–12 who need immunizations are invited to attend. This is a walk-in event; an appointment is not required. Families are asked to bring their insurance information. Private insurance, Medicaid and uninsured will be accepted. Parents must be present for their children to receive vaccinations.
A list of immunization requirements, as well as additional student health information, can be found on the school website at www.GreatBendSchools.net/parents-students. Click on Student Health Information and on that page there is a link to “Immunization Requirements.”
Athletic physicals
Students attending Great Bend Middle School and Great Bend High School who plan to participate in athletics in the 2019-2020 school year are the primary focus of this free event. Free Athletic Physicals for sophomores, juniors and seniors are available from 7-8:30 a.m., followed by grades 7, 8 & 9 from 8:30–10 a.m. on Saturday, August 3.
Questions about immunizations or other student health-related concerns can be directed to the Great Bend High School Activities Office, 620-793-1300, or to the USD 428 District Education Center, 620-793-1500. More information can also be found at www.GreatBendSchools.net.
