CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) -
It's a milestone in Karina Hernandez's life.
"He's starting school for the very first time," said Karina.
Her 4-year-old son Sebastian will soon start school.
They're excited about the first day of class and a little concerned.
"Just for him to stay healthy and not to catch anything."
So Sebastian is getting vaccinated at the Mecklenburg Health Department.
Hernandez wants her son protected and it's also the law.
In North Carolina, students need required shots like measles, mumps and rubella to go enroll in school.
"Principals will be checking and if children don't get them by the required date they will be excluded from school attendance," said Dr. Stephen Keener the Medical director Mecklenburg Health Department.
For the past decade, there' s been a growing fear of a suspected vaccine-autism link.
A recent study in the journal of pediatrics says one in 10 people choose to follow an alternative vaccination schedule, which means they will space out the doses or skip them all together despite the vaccine controversy being discredited by the Institute of Medicine Committee.
"They are safe they are affective and that's why they are required, " said Dr. Kiener
But with classes starting in a few weeks, Hernandez doesn't want Sebastian coming home from school with more than just his homework.
"I disagree with parents not wanting to have their kid's shots. It's not like a cup of tea or Tylenol fixes everything."
The Rowan County Health Department is offering free Tdap vaccine clinics for anyone 7 years of age and older.
Tdap is the vaccine that helps prevent the spread of whooping cough.
Immunizations are available at:
• The student's own doctor or clinic
• Mecklenburg County Health Department, call 704-336-6500 for an appointment.
• The Presbyterian Community Care Cruiser has slots each day
Call 704-393-7720 or 704-375-0172 for an appointment or information.
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