STUDENTS NOT IMMUNIZED WILL BE BARRED FROM SCHOOL

A new state law bars school-age children from attending classes this fall unless their immunizations are up-to-date.

A clinic for immunizations is scheduled Aug. 10 at the Cape Girardeau Health Center, 1121 Linden, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. by appointment only. To make appointments, call the center at 335-7846.

"There will not be any grace period," said Betty Chong, director of special services for Cape Girardeau public schools. "We are afraid parents will forget the rules have changed."

In the past, parents had a 15-day grace period after school started to get their children immunized. The new law says children must be immunized by the time school begins.

If parents have questions about what immunizations are needed, they may contact the health department or their school.