LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — As the new school year approaches, Allen County Public Health is encouraging families to make sure students are up to date on their required vaccinations.
The health department will host a back-to-school vaccine clinic for school-aged children and teens. Health officials say students typically need updated vaccinations before entering kindergarten, seventh grade and their senior year of high school.
Most insurance plans cover the cost of required vaccines, and programs are available to help families without insurance.
“So, for kindergarten, you're going to look for the DTaP, polio, and Hepatitis B. You're also going to want the MMR, varicella. Then for seventh grade specifically, they want the meningitis. You're going to get another Tdap, that's the tetanus booster. Then in their senior year, it's going to be another meningitis vaccine. They are very important to make sure that we keep the public safe and healthy so that these kids can keep going to school and learning, and we keep the public safe as well,” says Sarah Schroeder, Public Health Nurse, Allen Co. Public Health.
The vaccine clinics will be held Monday, Wednesday and Thursday next week at Allen County Public Health. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling the health department or visiting its website.
Students who wear their favorite school or sports apparel to their appointment will be entered into a drawing for a $20 gift card.
Back-to-School Vaccine Clinic
- Dates: Aug. 3, 5 and 6
- Location: Allen County Public Health, 219 E. Market St., Lima
- Appointments: Call 419-228-4457, option 8, or visit www.allencountypublichealth.org.
