Knox Public Health has announced the organization of Back-to-School Immunization Clinics throughout Knox County to assist families in preparing for the upcoming school year.
According to Knox Public Health, these clinics will be held at various locations, including Mount Vernon Health Center, Danville Health Center, Fredericktown Community Library, and the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County. The clinics are scheduled for July 30, August 6, August 7, August 20, September 4, and October 2. Evening and varied hours will be available to accommodate different schedules. These events are open to all school-aged children regardless of their school district.
The health department states that clinics at libraries will provide Tdap, meningitis, and kindergarten vaccines. Meanwhile, health center locations will offer a full range of required immunizations such as DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis), TDaP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis), MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella (chickenpox), Polio, Hepatitis B among others. Ohio law mandates that children must have these immunizations or be in the process of completing them to attend school. The clinics aim to help families catch up on missed doses and protect children and communities from preventable diseases.
Parents or guardians are required to accompany children and bring immunization records along with insurance cards. Most insurance plans are accepted; however, no child will be turned away due to an inability to pay. Appointments are necessary for the health center clinics; families should call 740-399-8008 to schedule appointments and confirm vaccine availability. Knox Public Health encourages early vaccination to avoid last-minute issues before school begins.
Knox Public Health provides services related to disease prevention, environmental health, and health education across Knox County. The agency addresses public health concerns such as water contamination, food safety issues, improper waste disposal practices, and communicable disease outbreaks. Its staff conducts regular inspections of restaurants, pools, septic systems; provides vaccinations; monitors air and water quality; offers various health programs; supports initiatives on smoking prevention; child safety; emergency preparedness; community involvement; partnerships with other agencies aimed at improving local health outcomes.