Summer break is almost over, and summer vacations are in full swing. Parents and children alike are scanning the newspapers and web sites looking for upcoming sales to shop for a multitude of school supplies and the latest clothing fads and essentials. But remember schools require that our kids have their immunizations before they can start school. The Knox County Health Department is stepping in to ensure that students have many opportunities to receive their necessary vaccinations before classes commence.
The Knox County Health Department, located at 1361 W. Fremont St., Galesburg, will be offering Walk-in Back-to-School Immunizations Clinics on Thursday July 11th, Tuesday, July 16th & 30th, and Tuesday, August 6th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This initiative aims to help students/parents beat the back-to-school rush and ensure a healthy start to the new school year. The Health Department accepts Medicaid, insurance, cash, check and credit cards. Participants are encouraged to bring immunization records to the appointment, and it is important to note that physical examinations will not be provided at these clinics. Additionally, a parent or legal guardian must accompany the child on the visit.
Childhood vaccinations are vital to protect both our children and the community from serious illness. Vaccines have been so effective in decreasing once common, life-threatening childhood infections that it is easy to forget how important it is to keep our children protected from those illnesses. The only reason we do not see diseases like childhood meningitis, measles, polio, and tetanus more often today is because the majority of children are vaccinated.
As families start compiling their back to school to do lists, the Knox County Health Department looks to make taking care of vaccinations easier items to cross off that list. We think it is important for parents to be aware of all the services public health has and how they can be your go to resource. Please contact the Knox County Health Department at 309-344-2224 or go to www.knoxcountyhealtlh.org for more information about available vaccines and other services.
***Courtesy of the Knox County Health Department***
