Jackson County Health Department To Host Back To School Immunization Clinics

​     The Jackson County Health Department will host traveling immunization clinics throughout Eastern Jackson County in an effort to make required school immunizations more accessible for families and students during COVID-19. 
    From July 7th through August 19th, Jackson County Health Department nurses will travel to different cities each week and provide immunizations to students. The clinics will be open Tuesday through Friday from 8:30am to 6:00pm.
     A separate clinic for kindergarten students will be available at the Jackson County Health Department in Independence from July 7th through August 21st, Tuesday through Friday, 8:00am—6:30pm.
     Missouri law requires students to be up-to-date on immunizations. The state of Missouri does not plan to waive this requirement to provide extra time to get vaccinated as of June 10th. If immunizations or waivers are not completed before the start of the school year, students cannot attend school until the requirements are met. 
     “As we navigate COVID-19, it remains essential for families to stay up-to-date on school immunizations,” Jackson County Health Department Director Bridgette Shaffer said.
“Although immunization clinics will look different this year, our staff is committed to providing resources to help students and families.”
     For both kindergarten and traveling clinics, registration must be completed at least one week before the scheduled visit. Walk-ins will not be taken. The health department can’t guarantee a second appointment if the first is missed.
     To ensure the safety of staff and patients, early arrivals will not be permitted to wait in the clinic. It is recommended that parents and students show up no more than five minutes before their appointment and wear a mask or cloth covering. Students may only be accompanied by one parent or guardian.
     These will be the only clinics provided by the health department for the back-to-school season. Parents are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible to secure their desired date and time. The full schedule and registration links can be found at jacohd.org/events.
     Stay up-to-date on back-to-school immunization schedules and sign-ups by following the Jackson County Health Department social media accounts (@jacksoncountyhd) or signing up for updates on their website (jacohd.org).