South Charlotte Today

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools issued the following announcement on Aug. 20.

Immunizations should be at the top of every back-to-school list. They protect students, school staff and the community from infectious diseases and are easy to check off the list before school begins.

North Carolina state law requires families to provide proof of immunizations on or before the first day of school. Students will be excluded from school if they do not have proper documentation within 30 days of entering school. Medical exemptions must be in writing from a doctor.

"If families don't have a regular doctor, the Mecklenburg County Health Department has open slots right now and holds clinics regularly," said Monica Adamian, school health specialist for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

Students new to N.C. public schools also must complete a health assessment. That includes students who previously were home-schooled or attended private school.

CMS is collaborating with community providers who will offer the required back-to-school vaccines as well as COVID vaccines for anyone eligible. COVID-19 vaccines are not required for school entry.

The vaccine clinics will be held September 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the locations listed below. The clinics are by appointment. More information on how to set one up will be coming soon.

• Julius L. Chambers High, 7600 IBM Drive
• South Mecklenburg High, 8900 Park Road
• McClintock Middle, 1925 Rama Road
• Eastway Middle, 1501 Norland Road 
• Ranson Middle, 5850 Statesville Road 
• Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology, 1430 Alleghany Street
• International Center, 4000 Applegate Road

"We want to avoid exclusions and keep students in school," Adamian said. "Make sure to bring all the proper documentation for your child and start school off on the right foot. If you have questions, talk to your school's nurse."

Other important health updates and reminders

• Symptom screeners and temperature checks will no longer be used. 
• Parents should continue to monitor their children and keep them home if they are having any symptoms. 
• CMS schools require face coverings for all staff and students indoors in all of our facilities, effective immediately. This includes the central office and all other non-school-based staff.

Original source can be found here.