September 4, 2018 -- With school starting this week, it’s especially important for parents and guardians to be sure their children have all the vaccines they need to get back to class.
Appointments are still available for the County Health Department’s three free special back-to-school vaccine clinics, but they are booking up quickly. Families with no insurance, ChildHealth Plus or Medicaid should call the County Health Department now to book a vaccine visit.
“Appointments are still available for our three special free back-to-school vaccine clinics that begin Saturday, September 8 but they are quickly filling up,” said Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD. “All parents should arrange a checkup with their child’s healthcare provider if they haven’t already. And now is also a good time to schedule your child’s flu shot.”
Call (914) 995-5800 to find out if you qualify, and make an appointment for one of the three special Back-to-School clinics:
- Saturday, Sept. 8, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in White Plains
- Tuesday, Sept. 11, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in White Plains
- Saturday, Sept. 15, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Yonkers
In addition to these special clinics, the Westchester County Department of Health provides free immunizations by appointment in its White Plains and Yonkers clinics to children and students of all ages who are uninsured or whose insurance doesn’t cover vaccines. Vaccine visits can be scheduled on the first and third Fridays in White Plains or on the second and fourth Fridays in Yonkers, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Health Department clinics are located at 20 S. Broadway in Yonkers and at 134 Court St. in White Plains.
Regulations for school admissions require schools to more closely scrutinize children’s immunization records and could result in children not being allowed to start or continue in school if immunizations are not current. Ask your healthcare provider which vaccines your children need. The meningococcal vaccine is required for all 7th and 12th graders, and students must also get vaccines to protect against whooping cough, measles and mumps.
Health Navigators available through the Health Department can help families and individuals sign up for the health insurance they need. Those without a regular doctor can learn where to go for ongoing primary care. For more information, call (914) 995-6350.