Walk-in child immunization clinics offered

Public health officials at Deschutes County Health Services are reminding parents to make sure their children’s shots are up to date, and advising of some walk-in immunization clinics under way.

Beginning Wednesday, February 20, children won’t be able to attend school or child care if their records show they are missing immunizations and do not have an appropriate medical or religious exemption.

Those children who are incomplete for immunizations will be receiving a letter in the mail in the next couple of weeks letting them know what their child is missing and to update their records with the school/child care prior to February 20.

The immunization requirement is the result of a state law that applies to all public and private schools, pre-schools, Head Start and certified child care facilities.

“The goal is to make sure children in our community are protected against serious diseases that can easily spread in a school environment if children aren’t fully immunized,” said Deschutes County Health Services Immunization Coordinator Heather Kaisner.

This year, parents should take note of the following requirements:

Tdap vaccine requirement: One dose of Tdap vaccine is required for 7th – 11th graders. Tdap is a tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) booster. Whooping cough is a serious health concern in Oregon with more than 800 cases recorded last year. Hepatitis A vaccine requirement: The hepatitis A vaccine is a two-dose series now required for children 18 months through 4th grade.

There a many options in Deschutes County for parents seeking immunizations for their child. They can contact their health care provider or call Deschutes County Health Services, at (541) 322-7400, to schedule an appointment. Rotary Club Shots for Tots and Teens and Deschutes County School Based Health Centers will also be offering walk-in immunizations on the following dates and locations:

January 19- Sisters School Based Health Center
January 26- Hugh Hartman Campus, Redmond
February 2- Pilot Butte Middle School, Bend
February 9- La Pine School Based Health Center

The public can walk-in to these clinics from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the specified dates. Please bring a copy of your child’s immunization record with you.

For more information, please visit the Deschutes County Immunizations webpage: www.deschutes.org/immunizations