State law requires all incoming 7th grade students to be vaccinated against Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (TDAP) as well as Meningococcal Meningitis before starting the school year. Students who do not have up-to-date immunizations may be excluded from attending the first day of school unless evidence of an appointment for immunizations within 20 days is presented. 

Many students have already received these required vaccines during a well-child visit to their primary care provider. Parents and guardians can find out if a child has had these vaccines by looking at the child’s vaccine record or by checking with the family's primary care provider.

Immunizations can be obtained from primary care providers or from the Washington County Health Department. The Health Department has two vaccination clinics scheduled - one on July 29 and one on August 19 - where 7th grade students will be able to receive the required immunizations free of charge. Vaccinations will be provided at the Washington County Health Department, located at 1302 Pennsylvania Avenue in Hagerstown from 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on both days. Students must be registered in advance.

CLICK to register for the July 29 clinic

CLICK to register for the August 19 clinic 

Immunizations are also available at CVS minute clinic at 1503 Potomac Avenue (866-389-2727), and Family Health Care of Hagerstown at 201 S. Cleveland Avenue 301-745-3777. Both locations require pre-registration. 

In addition, the Washington County Health Department has made a clinic available specifically for students 12 and older who would like to receive the Pfizer COVID vaccine only.  It will be held on Friday, August 6, 2021 from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Health Department.

CLICK to register your student (MD Vax external link)

The COVID-19 vaccination is not currently required for students to attend school but is recommended by medical professionals. Families should seek guidance from their child’s primary care provider when considering whether to vaccinate their child. WCPS, in cooperation with state and local health departments, is following CDC guidance regarding fully vaccinated individuals. If a student is fully vaccinated and identified as a close contact to an individual who tests positive for COVID-19, the vaccinated student is not required to quarantine for the standard 14-day period as long as they are not experiencing symptoms of the virus. 

If you need assistance registering your child for any of the vaccination clinics, please contact the Washington County Health Department at 240-313-3456.

Additional information about vaccines and immunization records is available from each school’s health office or from the Office of School Health at 301.766.8723.