MOUNT VERNON — Knox Public Health and Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s Honors Program have teamed up to help families by providing a vaccine challenge titled “Road to 100 Challenge.”

Many diseases still exist, and most are preventable. The game raises awareness and educates families about how vaccines protect children. Ensuring a child gets all immunizations on schedule is an important way to protect their health.

The “Road to 100 Challenge” game is another way health officials are working to remove barriers and support parents and caregivers, whether through general education or during the back-to-school season. Vaccines are a simple step that helps prevent serious illnesses and keep our community healthy.

Families can pick up the game at all health center locations and the WIC department on Upper Gilchrist Road. Some locations provide a die and game pieces; however, game pieces are limited. If you can’t get game pieces, you’ll need a die and basic game pieces.

In Ohio, certain vaccines are required before a child can attend school, including Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP), Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap), MMR, Hepatitis B, Polio, and Varicella (chickenpox), as outlined in the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 3313.671).

Keeping children up to date protects them from preventable diseases and helps protect others at higher risk in public and school settings.

Even if your child has missed some doses, KPH can help get them caught up. KPH supports families with resources and personalized guidance.

Protecting your child

Many vaccine-preventable diseases still exist today. Keeping children on schedule with recommended immunizations helps protect their health and well-being. Review the following list of vaccines to ensure your child is protected.

  • Hepatitis A: Protects the liver; requires two doses.
  • Haemophilus Influenzae (Hib): Can cause serious infections such as meningitis, which may result in long-term complications. Four doses: At 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12-15 months.
  • Rotavirus (RV): Protects your baby from severe diarrhea and dehydration. Two doses: at 2 and 4 months, or three doses: at 2, 4, and 6 months.
  • Prevnar 20: Protects against pneumococcus (pneumonia, blood infection, meningitis). Four doses: At 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12-15 months.
  • Influenza: The flu shot protects against influenza virus. Two doses: At 6-18 months (2nd dose 28 days after 1st shot). Then yearly through adulthood.
  • COVID-19: Helps the body develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without getting the illness. Primary series: two doses: At 6 months (2nd dose 4-8 weeks after the first shot). Booster dose Bivalent: recommended at least 8 weeks after the second primary series shot.

School vaccine requirements

Ohio law (ORC 3313.671) requires school-aged children to provide proof of immunization or be in the process of completing the vaccine series to remain enrolled after 14 days of school entry. The required vaccines include:

  • DTaP: Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Grades K–12 require 4 or more doses; a 5th dose may be required.
  • Hepatitis B: Protects the liver; requires three doses.
  • MMR: Guards against measles, mumps, and rubella; two doses required.
  • Polio (IPV): Prevents paralysis; three or more doses required.
  • Varicella (VAR): Protects against chickenpox; requires two doses.
  • Tdap (Grades 7–12): Booster for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
  • Meningococcal ACWY: Protects against meningitis; one dose for grades 7–11, two doses for grade 12 unless the first dose was given at age 16 or older.

These vaccines protect your child from potentially serious illnesses and help reduce disease spread in schools and the broader community.

Protecting students, strengthening communities

Immunizations keep children safe and help support healthier schools and a stronger community. Knox Public Health encourages families to act early and avoid the last-minute rush.

To make an immunization appointment at a health center location or if you have any questions, call 740-399-8008. Appointments are required for all health center clinics.

Parents or guardians must accompany their child and bring the child’s immunization record and insurance card. Most insurance plans are accepted. No child will be turned away because they cannot pay.

To learn more about immunizations, visit https://www.cdc.gov/. For more information about Ohio’s school immunization requirements, visit the Ohio Department of Health or view the full statute at Kindergarten Through 12th Grade Vaccine Requirements | Ohio Department of Health