Health department holds student shot clinic

Vaccines are available through your doctor’s office or local health department.

Health officials say the program is needed because of the state’s current regulations.

In Virginia, children are required to have vaccines unless there is a medical or religious reason why they can not receive the vaccinations.

“Now is the flawless time to talk with your family physician about the vaccinations your children need before the school year”, said Dr. Eden Wells, chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

“There’s no credible scientific evidence that would lead us to believe that vaccines cause autism”, Murphy said.

“This is the first year for seniors to have this requirement, that’s why I think it’s somewhat of a rush on the particular vaccine”, he said. Vaccines during pregnancy not only protect you against diseases, but you can also begin to pass some protection to your baby that’ll last the first few months of life.

Even more importantly, because of immunizations, children are not dying from these damaging infectious diseases, and our communities with vulnerable patients are safer.

For example, children who are 4 to 6 years old are due for boosters of four vaccines: DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), chickenpox, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and polio.

As part of the DOH’s campaign, the department is hosting over 61 clinics statewide between now and August 21.

“Getting children all of the vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease and Control’s immunization schedule is one of the most important things parents can do to protect their children’s health – and that of classmates and the community”, said Alisa Freeman, RN, BSN, Family Planning and Immunization Supervisor at Scotland County Health Department. This is a walk-in clinic, no appointment necessary. The cost is $5 per child (payable by check or money order) for families above income guidelines, however no child will be turned away because of an inability to pay.

Of the 20 states that allowed parents to opt out of vaccinating their children because of personal, moral or other beliefs, two will no longer allow philosophical exemptions beginning in July 2016. A parent/legal guardian must go with the child receiving immunizations.