GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C.- It’s time to start thinking about school immunizations and sports physicals.

• Health experts say it's best for families to beat the back-to-school rush of getting shots before the deadline
• Guilford County health officials say there are no new requirements for immunizations this year
• Clinics are open to all ages, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m

Health experts say it's best for families to beat the back-to-school rush of getting shots before the deadline, which for most districts is the 30^th day of school.

Vonda Pabon, a clinical services nurse manager at the Guilford County Health & Human Services Public Health Division, said its best to get immunizations out of the way ahead of the rush.

"For kindergarteners, are to have the DTAP, the polio, the second measles/mumps/rubella vaccine, and the second Varicella vaccine. For 7th graders, are to have the TDAP vaccine and the meningococcal vaccine."

Guilford County health officials say there are no new requirements for immunizations this year. However, starting in 2020, high school seniors will have to get a second meningcoccal vaccine.

"Get started now, with plenty of time. In the breaks between vacations and summer camps,” says Pabon, “Get the physicals, get the immunizations, get your forms completed.”

The Guilford County Health Department has immunization clinics, open to all ages, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., by appointment. You can contact your local health department to schedule a time to get vaccinated.