Parent Alert

As unpleasant as they may be, getting vaccinations for your kids is as important as purchasing back-to-school clothes and supplies.
Because Queens is so ethnically diverse, many new students come to the school system from lands with rampant infections, scarce care, and no medical records.
Some may bring new strains that are resistant to medicine that has been effective against killer - but largely controlled diseases - such as tuberculosis.
All children entering school must show proof of a complete medical evaluation. Children in day care, pre-K, or kindergarten through grade 12 who do not meet these requirements will not be allowed to attend school, which starts on September 2 this year.
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) reminds families to make sure their children get their required vaccinations before school starts - whether they are just entering school, or returning.
The required vaccinations for school entry are those protecting against life-threatening diseases including diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, hepatitis A and B, pertussis (whooping cough) and chicken pox, meningitis, rotavirus, influenza (flu), pneumococcus and Haemophilus influenzae type B.
Vaccinations are the safest and most effective way to prevent childhood diseases. Since August is National Immunization Awareness Month, all New Yorkers should get up-to-date with their immunizations.
Dr. Jane R. Zucker, Assistant Commissioner for the Bureau of Immunization at DOHMH, said, “School vaccination requirements protect your child and all students against preventable, life-threatening diseases. Now is the time to make a doctor’s appointment to get up-to-date. If you don’t have insurance or need a provider, call 3-1-1 to find a vaccination clinic.”
Check with your child’s doctor to find out what vaccinations they need. Children ages 4 and older can get the required vaccinations at Health Department walk-in immunization clinics.
For information about your family’s immunization requirements, or to obtain a copy of your child’s immunization record or to locate the nearest immunization clinic, call 3-1-1.
Register to Vote
Are you registered to vote? If you are 18 years or older, a U.S. citizen, a resident of New York City for at least 30 days, not serving a jail sentence, on parole for a felony conviction, or been found mentally incompetent by a court you can register to vote.
You can register in person by visiting one of the Board of Elections offices listed on www.vote.nyc.ny.us/offices.html. To register by mail, you have several options:
1. Download and print the form from the web site.
2. Call 1-866-VOTE-NYC to order a postage-paid registration form in the mail.
3. Forms are available from libraries, post offices and most city agencies.
Once you have the form, fill it out in blue or black ink and make sure to sign it.
Your registration form must be delivered or mailed at least 25 days before the election for it to be effective for that election.