Back-to-school immunizations at the Health Department

It may still feel like summer, but the start of school is just around the corner. The first day of school in Carson City, Lyon County and Douglas County is Aug. 18. That’s only 12 days away! While you’re out taking care of all your child’s back-to-school needs, shopping for school clothes and supplies, don’t forget your student may have another requirement before they head back to class: immunizations.

Carson City Health and Human Services wants to remind parents being up-to-date with required vaccinations is a necessity for starting school this fall, and now is the perfect time to get vaccinated, because August is National Immunization Awareness Month!

Vaccinations are required for all students enrolled in Carson City Schools, unless the student has applied for an exemption through the school district. “All children in kindergarten, seventh grade and those new to the school district of any age must be fully vaccinated prior to being enrolled in school. CCHHS’ Back to School Vaccination Days are a perfect opportunity for parents to get their children fully immunized so that they do not have to miss any school days due to the lack of up-to-date vaccinations”, said Roni Galas, Clinical Services Manager for Carson City Health and Human Services. Vaccinations are a good idea, because they protect not only the child who has been immunized, but also other children with health concerns that make them unable to get shots themselves. This “community” approach to vaccination helps keep all kids healthy and safe from diseases like measles, mumps, chicken pox and whooping cough.

In order to help parents beat the back to school rush and to accommodate all the children who need to be vaccinated, the Health Department has started a “Back to School” immunization program with additional clinic hours for school immunizations. During the week of Aug.11-15, all required school vaccinations will be available on a walk-in basis at the Long Street clinic. The hours for this clinic are 1-4:30 p.m. each day. Clinic staff would like to remind parents to please bring the child’s immunization record with them when they come for vaccinations. Regular fees will apply during this event. Please visit www.gethealthycarsoncity.org/clinic to see a list of accepted insurances and payment methods.

Regular Thursday immunization clinic hours will still take place for those who are unable to attend during the Back to School event, or those who need other immunizations besides those required for school.