Recognizing April as Adolescent Immunization Month, the Orange County Health Department is pairing with local school nurses to offer students an incentive to get vaccinated.
The department is recommending students get Meningococcal, tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis and Human Papilloma Virus vaccines because of the benefits they provide adolescents.
To participate in the contest, students need to receive at least one vaccine between April 1 and May 31 and bring proof to their school nurse by 10 a.m. June 1.
Students who get a meningococcal vaccine will be entered in the contest twice, while those who receive a Tdap and/or HPV vaccine will gain one entry. If any students receive all three vaccines, they will be entered in the contest four times.
The fifth grade and middle school winners of the contest will receive iPods, and the high school winner will receive a laptop.
To receive the necessary vaccines, contact the county health department or a local medical provider.