Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake will hold her annual back to school rally from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at War Memorial Plaza.
The rally will feature a free immunization clinic in the War Memorial building for students who bring their up to date immunization records.
New state vaccine requirements for both kindergartners and seventh graders begin this year. Dr. Cheryl DePinto, medical director for the Office of School Health at the state Health Department, said Maryland has adopted the Center for Disease Control 2006 recommendation that kindergartners get a second dose of the chicken pox vaccine.
She said the CDC found that up to 20 percent of children who received only one dose of the chicken pox vaccine never became fully immune to the disease.
In addition, the state is requiring seventh graders to receive doses of the Tdap vaccine booster, which treats tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis as well as a vaccine for meningitis.
Aside from vaccinations, the rally will be an opportunity for students to get free backpacks and school supplies, as well as enjoy live music and motivational speakers
School begins Monday August 25th for city residents.