About 3,800 Wayne County schoolchildren are missing required vaccinations.
Beth Newton, the Wayne County Health Department’s deputy director of clinical services, updated the county’s health board about the department’s efforts to vaccinate children during the board’s Aug. 12 meeting. Newton said postcards are being sent to each student ages 5 to 18 missing a vaccination.
The state reported the missing vaccinations to the county. Newton said some have been taken care of through scheduled appointments, visits to the health department or off-site clinics. The health department provides required vaccinations for walk-ins or by appointment at its clinic, 100 S. Fifth St., Richmond.
A list of required vaccinations is available online in English at wwn.to/immunize25 and in Spanish at wwn.to/immunize25es.
The department also is trying to alert high school seniors that some colleges and universities require the meningococcal B vaccine for admission. MenB requires two doses six months apart.
Heat illness
With August’s heat in full effect, Dr. Jennifer Bales, the county’s health officer, provided information about heat illnesses.
To prevent illness, those outside should stay cool by taking breaks with air conditioning or in shade, wear breathable clothing and hydrate with water. Children or pets should never be left in a parked vehicle because the inside temperature climbs rapidly.
Heat stroke, when the body is unable to control its temperature, is the most serious heat illness. Symptoms include confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech and seizures. Quick cooling is necessary for heat stroke, which can be fatal, using water or ice close to the body’s core.
Heat exhaustion results from the excessive loss of water and salt because of sweating. Its symptoms include an increased heart rate, headaches and nausea. Cooling and hydration with water counteract heat exhaustion.
Lesser effects include passing out, cramps and rash. All can be treated with cooling and hydration. Bales said those with a heat illness should seek medical care for serious symptoms or persistent lesser symptoms.
A version of this article appeared in the August 20 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.