Health Department offers back-to-school vaccines

This column addresses topics related to the health of our community.

As fall approaches, it's time to start thinking about cooler weather and the start of school. While students at Fremont Elementary have already returned to the classroom, the remainder of Carson City Schools will be back in session Aug. 22.

Many people probably associate back-to-school with new notebooks, school supplies and clothes, but Carson City Health and Human Services wants to remind parents that there is another important thing to consider: Vaccinations.

Vaccinations are required for all students enrolled in Carson City schools, unless the student has applied for an exemption. Vaccinations are a good idea, because they protect not only the child who has been immunized, but also other children with health concerns that make them unable to get shots themselves. This "community" approach to vaccination helps keep all kids healthy and safe from diseases like measles, mumps, chicken pox and whooping cough.

In order to help parents beat the back-to-school rush and to accommodate all the children who need to be vaccinated, the Health Department has started a "Back to School" immunization program with additional clinic hours for school immunizations.

Aug. 9-12, all required school vaccinations will be available on a walk-in basis at the Long Street clinic. The hours for this clinic are 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. each day.

Clinic staff would like to remind parents to please bring the child's immunization record. Regular fees will apply during this event and, as usual, the clinic will accept Medicaid, Nevada Check-up, St. Mary's and Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance. A special reduced fee schedule will apply for those who are uninsured, underinsured and American Indian or Alaska Native.

Regular Thursday immunization clinic hours will still be in effect for those who are unable to attend during the Back to School event.

Flu vaccine is not yet available for this year, but is recommended for everyone. Look for flu vaccine clinics in the area schools beginning on Sept. 19.

For more information about other Health Department services, check out our website at www.gethealthycarsoncity.org or visit us at www.facebook.com/cchhs.