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Making sure children receive all their
vaccinations |
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July 31, 2017 |
The start of the 2017-18 school year is quickly
approaching and Panhandle Health District (PHD)
is reminding North Idaho parents to plan ahead
for children’s immunizations. Each year,
hundreds of local students visit Care Plus
Clinics at PHD to get vaccinated and meet
school-entry requirements.
In 2016, 14 percent of all kindergarten, first
grade and seventh grade students in North Idaho
were not adequately immunized due to vaccine
exemptions.
“The number of exemptions is concerning,” said
Lisa Hylsky, PHD’s Immunization Coordinator. “If
an outbreak of chickenpox, measles, mumps or
pertussis were to occur in a local school, under
or un-vaccinated students could be asked to stay
home from school for days, weeks or even
months.”
PHD is working to improve access to vaccines by
offering extended clinic hours and walk-in
appointments.
Their Hayden location will host walk-in clinics
from 5 to 7 p.m. each Thursday from August 24 to
September 7.
Students under 18 years old must be accompanied
by a parent or guardian. Those without insurance
will be provided vaccines at no cost. Any and
all fees not covered by insurance will be
waived.
“Making sure that children receive all their
vaccinations on time is one of the most
important things you can do as a parent," PHD
director Lora Whalen said. “Getting immunized
protects your family as well as the health of
classmates, friends and others in our
community.”
Parents can contact their child’s physician or
call Panhandle Health District to ensure their
children have received the recommended vaccines
and doses for their age. PHD provides vaccines
and vaccine education for all ages, throughout
the school year.
To make an appointment, call any of the five
Care Plus Clinics at PHD locations in Hayden,
Sandpoint, Kellogg, St. Maries or Bonners Ferry.
It’s suggested that parents call now to beat the
back-to-school rush.
For more information about Idaho’s immunization
recommendations and requirements, visit:
panhandlehealthdistrict.org. |
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