Screenings & Immunizations

Screenings

Health Screenings at FWCS: What Parents Need to Know

Fort Wayne Community Schools offers annual vision, hearing and dental screenings to help catch potential health issues early when they're easiest to treat.

Vision screenings are done in grades 1, 3, 5 and 8 by school nurses and Parkview Community Nursing.
Hearing screenings are provided in grades 1, 4, 7 and 10 by FWCS nurses and the Speech and Hearing Department.
The Dental Screening and Sealant Program serves Title I schools in grades 2, 3, 6 and 7, promoting healthy teeth and preventing problems.

If a concern is suspected, screenings may be done for students in other grades as well.
Parents with questions or concerns should contact their school nurse.

If you do not want your child to participate, you must submit a written request to the school, as required by the State of Indiana.

These screenings help support your child’s health and success in school while respecting your choices as a parent.

Vision

Clear vision is key to your child’s learning and development. Because children’s eyes are still maturing, early detection of vision problems is important to prevent long-term issues.

FWCS provides vision screenings in grades 1, 3, 5 and 8, conducted by school nurses or trained staff with minimal classroom disruption. The screenings are designed to be accurate and cost-effective, with only necessary referrals made.

School nurses can also connect families to resources for professional exams and glasses. Children on Medicaid may qualify for an annual eye exam and glasses if needed.

Dental

Healthy teeth are important for your child’s comfort, confidence and ability to focus in school. Untreated dental problems can lead to pain and other issues that may affect learning.

FWCS partners with the Neighborhood Health Dental Clinic to offer free dental screenings and sealants in select Title I schools. Screenings are provided by school nurses, volunteer dentists and dental hygienists.

Regular dental check-ups are still important. Contact your dental provider for routine care and recommendations.

Hearing

FWCS provides annual hearing screenings for students in grades 1, 4, 7 and 10, as well as for all Special Education students. Teachers can also refer students for screenings if concerns arise.

If follow-up testing is needed, appointments with a certified audiologist are available at Career Academy. To schedule, call 260.467.1090. For questions about Special Education hearing screenings, call 260.467.1114.

These services help identify and address hearing issues early, supporting your child’s learning and communication.

Immunizations

Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent disease and protect public health. While often associated with children, vaccinations remain important throughout life.

Staying up to date with recommended vaccines helps protect you, your family and the community from preventable illnesses.

Immunization Forms

Immunizations List (English)

Immunizations List (Spanish)

Immunizations List (Burmese)

Immunization History Form (English)

Immunization History Form (Spanish)

Immunization History Form (Burmese)

Want more information about state required immunizations? Visit Indiana State Department of Health’s Immunization Program or call the toll-free ISDH Hotline 1-800-701-0704 M-F 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Notice of Immunization for all Students Enrolling in School

When a child enrolls in a school corporation, the student’s parent/guardian must provide proof the student has been immunized or that a current religious or medical objection is on file. The parent/guardian must provide the school corporation with complete immunization records prior to the beginning of the school year.

New Immunizations

In addition to immunizations previously required, the Indiana State Department of Health now requires all students in grades 6 and 12 to also have Hepatitis A immunizations. This is a 2 shot series with doses spaced 6 months apart.

New requirement summary - 6th and 12th grade immunization requirements are as follows:

Grade 6

1 Tdap (a tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis booster)

1 Meningococcal Vaccine (prevents meningococcal meningitis)
2 doses of Hepatitis A Vaccine (doses must be spaced 6 months apart)

Grade 12

Meningococcal Meningitis booster (this is a second dose of the same vaccine your child likely received while in grade 6)*
After receiving these immunizations, please provide a copy of your updated shot record to your school nurse.

* Note: IF your child had their first Meningococcal Vaccine after their 16th birthday, then the second shot would not be necessary, but most students should have received their first shot when entering grade 6.

2025-26 School Immunizations

Proof of completed or up to date immunizations must be given to the school on entrance or at registration

Reference Guide

Immunizations

COVID-19

DTaP

Hep A

Hep B

HPV

In June 2006 the FDA approved the first vaccine to prevent HPV which can cause cervical cancer and genital warts. Recommended for girls and young women ages 9 to 26, the vaccine protects against four HPV types. Two are linked to 70 percent of cervical cancers and two cause 90 percent of genital warts. The vaccine is most effective before exposure to HPV and is given as a series of three shots over six months. It does not contain live virus, mercury or thimerosal. Common side effects include redness or swelling at the injection site, fainting or nausea. The vaccine does not treat existing HPV infections and is not recommended during pregnancy or for those with certain immune conditions. Regular Pap tests are still necessary for cervical cancer screening even after vaccination.

HPV is a common virus spread through skin-to-skin sexual contact. It can cause genital warts and infections of the cervix, which may lead to cervical cancer or cancer of other genital organs. Most females get HPV soon after becoming sexually active, often without knowing it, as symptoms may not appear. While HPV can go away on its own, it can also last for months or years. There is no cure, so prevention and early detection are important. Regular Pap tests can identify cervical changes caused by HPV and help guide further testing or treatment.

MCV4

Meningococcal

Meningococcal disease is a dangerous disease that can strike children and youth. The disease can progress rapidly and within hours of the first symptoms, may result in death or permanent disability including loss of hearing, brain damage and limb amputations. Current information about the need for the meningococcal vaccine may be viewed from the Center for Disease Control.

Polio

Tdap

Varicella

Adult Vaccinations

The Center for Disease Control reports "although the childhood immunization program in the United States has reduced the burden of vaccine-preventable disease substantially among children, substantial vaccine-preventable morbidity and mortality from diseases such as pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza and pneumococcal infections continue to occur among adults." Adults must be mindful and alert to keep themselves free from exposure and covered against a variety of diseases. Adults should contact their health care provider for information about the recommended Adult Immunization Schedule.

Medical & Religious Objections

In Indiana, medical and religious exemptions to immunizations must be renewed each school year and kept on file with the school.

Medical objections require a signed form from both a physician and parent/guardian, stating that the immunization is harmful to the child’s health.
Religious objections require a form signed by the parent/guardian only.
Philosophical objections are not permitted under Indiana law.

Students who are not immunized for any reason will be excluded from school during an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease. They may return after the disease’s period of communicability has passed or after receiving the required vaccine.

Free or Low-Cost Immunizations (With or Without Insurance):

FACE Health Center
230 E. Douglas Ave.

By appointment only (Mon–Fri, 8 AM–4 PM)
Vaccines for ages 4–18
Accepts all insurance; no insurance needed
Call 260-467-7260 to schedule (have student info and insurance ready)
No immunization record? Still call to make an appointment

Super Shot

Affordable vaccines for adults and children
Private, efficient appointments
Accepts Medicaid and commercial insurance
Schedule at supershot.org or call 260-424-7468

Department of Health
4813 New Haven Ave.

By appointment only
Call 260-449-7504
Parent/guardian must attend
Bring child’s immunization records