8/14/08

Back-to-school vaccines at county Health District

Recent outbreaks of measles in Grant County and pertussis (whooping cough) in neighboring Island County underscore the need for adequate immunization. Snohomish Health District can help keep students healthy at school this year.

The Health District will offer back-to-school immunizations at its clinics in Everett and Lynnwood from Monday, August 18, through Friday, September 5, by appointment from 8 a.m. to noon, and on a walk-in basis from 1 p.m. to closing. The clinics are closed on Labor Day (September 1) and on weekends.

Vaccinations are not free, but some residents may be eligible for reduced fees. Required childhood vaccines against chickenpox and pertussis are available at the clinics, as are several recommended vaccines.

Meningococcal vaccine (one shot) is recommended for adolescents age 11-12 years and older teens.  A new vaccine for females called human papillomavirus (HPV) is recommended for girls ages 11-12 and older teens. This vaccine is a three-shot series that protects against cervical cancer.

Older teens should have one dose of the adolescent pertussis vaccine (Tdap). If your child is not immunized against hepatitis A disease, health officials recommend vaccination starting at age 12 months or older. Hepatitis A vaccine is a series of two shots.

A parent or legal guardian must accompany a child to the clinic, and must bring a complete record of the child’s immunizations. Forms authorizing an alternative adult to accompany the child are available at the clinics and can be mailed or faxed on request.

To schedule an appointment, or for more information, call  (425) 339-5220 to reach the Everett clinic, located at 3020 Rucker Avenue, Suite 108. Read more about the state’s vaccine requirements for school-age children and childcare by visiting www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/Immunize.