KEYWORDS:
Adolescent Immunizations, School-Entry Laws, Hepatitis B, MMR, Td, Recall/Reminder

BACKGROUND:
Since July 1999, students entering the 7th grade are required to have one dose of Td, 2 doses of MMR, and be up-to-date on the Hepatitis B series on the first day of school. If involved in extra-curricular activities, they also require a physical. If they are not up-to-date, they are not admitted to school.

OBJECTIVE(S):
To ensure that students entering the 7th grade are up-to-date on all immunizations and physicals prior to the first day of school.

METHOD(S):
Obtain a member listing of patients ranging from ages 11-13. Review all medical records for immunization and physical status. Attempt telephone contact to parent/guardian to schedule an appointment. If unable to contact via telephone, send out postcard reminder.

RESULT(S):
Only 17 of our 285 assigned 7th grade patients were turned away on the first day of school.

CONCLUSIONS(S):
A combination of telephone contact and postcard reminders increased the number of children able to start the 7th grade without being turned away.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Describe the different ways of contacting parents/guardians.
Understand how keeping patients up-to-date on immunizations and physicals is important for that first day of school.