Mayor Stoney kicks off “Be Wise Immunize” campaign for rising seventh graders in Richmond Public Schools
Mayor Levar Stoney, Richmond Public Schools and the Richmond City Health District today unveiled “Be Wise Immunize,” a campaign to provide necessary immunizations to rising seventh graders.
The Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccination is required by state law for all children entering the seventh grade. “Be Wise Immunize” aims to decrease the number of students missing instructional time due to lack of access to the vaccine.
The HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccination will also be administered entirely free of cost. The HPV vaccine, recommended for middle schoolers by the CDC, protects students from acquiring dangerous strands of HPV that increase the risk of related cancers. HPV-related cancer rates in Richmond are currently the highest in the state.
Richmond parents can participate in the “Be Wise Immunize” campaign by signing and returning the permission forms required for their sixth grader to receive the Tdap vaccination, as well as the HPV vaccine, at no cost. Forms are due to Richmond Public Schools by March 9, 2020.
Permission forms will go home to parents in February. School vaccinations will begin in March. Mayor Stoney will visit the student body that turned in the most vaccination permission forms to congratulate the students and their families on prioritizing public health.
Click here to access the Tdap vaccination consent form and the HPV vaccination consent form.