news release

 

ANDREW J. SPANO, Westchester County Executive

JOSHUA LIPSMAN, M.D., J.D., M.P.H., Commissioner of Health

 SUSAN TOLCHIN, Director of Communications

 

 

 

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                               August 14, 2006

 

BACK TO SCHOOL IMMUNIZATIONS AVAILABLE

 

                        Westchester County Department of Health is holding two back-to-school immunization clinics at which free vaccines will be provided to children who are uninsured, underinsured or do not have a medical provider. 

            The first clinic will be held at the Westchester County Department of Health’s Yonkers District Office (located at 20 South Broadway, 2nd floor, in Yonkers) on Wednesday, August 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Please call (914) 231-2523 to schedule an appointment. The second clinic will be held at the Westchester County Department of Health’s White Plains District Office (located at 134 Court Street in White Plains) on Tuesday, August 22, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Please call (914) 995-5800 to schedule an appointment.  Appointments are required for the clinics; and vaccines will be provided free of charge.

            “Vaccinations have virtually eliminated smallpox, measles, polio and other diseases which have cost the lives of thousands of children in the past,” stated Dr. Joshua Lipsman, Commissioner of Health.  “Without vaccines, epidemics of vaccine-preventable diseases would return, resulting in increased illness, disability and death.  Although the best place for children to receive their immunizations is through their own pediatrician or primary care provider, I am pleased we are able to provide these necessary vaccines to the under- or uninsured children of Westchester County.”

            These clinics are intended to provide needed vaccinations to those children who are uninsured, underinsured or do not have a medical provider. Because immunizations against certain illnesses are required in order to attend school, the Health Department is offering these clinics to decrease the likelihood that some traditional barriers to health care, such as cost and no health insurance coverage, will delay a child from entering school with the appropriate vaccinations.                                                                                                                      

            Health Department staff will also be available at the clinics to provide assistance to clients in need of health insurance.  

            For additional information, please visit the Health Department website at www.westchestergov.com/health.                                                                                               -30-