• Vaccines and Immunizations

    Required Immunizations

    As the new school year approaches, it is important to ensure students are prepared with all their necessary supplies and that they are on top of all their required immunizations. 

    Several immunizations are required for school attendance and some children may have been delayed in getting boosters due to the pandemic. 

    However, it is crucial to stay on schedule with these immunizations. Immunizations save lives and protect kids from serious illnesses. Parents and guardians can view the Ohio Immunization Summary for School Attendance here.

    The COVID-19 vaccine is encouraged but not required for school attendance. 

    For children needing immunizations to meet State of Ohio requirements, parents and guardians can contact their family doctor, health clinic, Nationwide Children’s School-based health clinics, or the Columbus Public Health Department, which is located at 240 Parsons Avenue. 

    For questions on school immunization requirements or for help finding a health care provider, contact the school nurse or Health Services 

    School-Based Health Clinics 

    Students can get health care services - just like they would at a doctor's office - right at school! School-based health clinics are hosted in partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Clinics are open during school hours and the days open may vary. Families can call 614-355-2590 (option 3) for an appointment or for more information. Students can also stop by their school clinic. 

    Clinics are available in the following schools:  

    • Buckeye Middle School
    • Columbus City Preparatory School for Girls
    • East High School
    • Linden McKinley STEM Academy
    • Livingston Elementary School
    • Marion Franklin High School
    • Moler Elementary School
    • Northland High School
    • Ohio Avenue Elementary School
    • South High School
    • West High School

    For up-to-date information on school-based health clinics, continue checking the main CCS website or visit NationwideChildrens.org/Care-Connection. 

    COVID-19 Protocols 

    Columbus City Schools (CCS) leadership continues to monitor COVID-19 transmission rates in the community and continues to communicate with Columbus Public Health. 

    Recently, Columbus Public Health issued a mask advisory, following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for areas with high community transmission. This advisory is not an order but urges everyone to wear a mask indoors and in crowded areas regardless of vaccine status. 

    Masks are welcome in CCS but are not required. CCS will continue following health protocols regarding COVID-19. The following are general COVID-19 reminders to keep students, staff, and families safe: 

    • Stay home and get tested if you are sick.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water (more than 20 seconds). Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available. 
    • Clean high-touch surfaces often. 
    • Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
    • Cover your coughs and sneezes.
    • If wearing a mask, make sure it covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others, especially indoors at gatherings. 

    District leaders and the Health Services team also urge people to stay up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations to increase protection against severe illness. Staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines means receiving all doses in the primary series and all boosters recommended, when eligible. 

    The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older receive their COVID-19 primary series and for everyone 5 years and older to receive COVID-19 boosters, if eligible. Additionally, people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised have specific recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, click here 

    Columbus Public Health, which is located at 240 Parsons Avenue, offers all COVID-19 vaccines and boosters on a walk-in basis Monday-Friday. For hours and to learn more, click here.

    CCS will continue to partner with Columbus Public Health and Nationwide Children’s Hospital to monitor COVID-19 rates in the community and schools, working together to keep students, staff, and families safe for the school year. 

    For more information on COVID-19, click here.