Kansas and Missouri childhood vaccination rates lag behind the U.S.

As schools prepare to head back into session, metro health departments emphasize the importance of vaccinations to protect children in Kansas and Missouri classrooms this year. Free or low-cost vaccines are now available, and parents are encouraged to make appointments or visit a walk-in clinic now to avoid the long wait times that typically occur every August.

“Vaccines are one of the most effective tools for preventing the spread of infectious diseases and keeping metro kids safe because we have decades of scientific evidence to prove it,” said Bridgette Shaffer, director of Jackson County Public Health.

Measles, once nearly eradicated in the United States, has reemerged in recent years, with more cases so far in 2024 than all of last year. Decreased vaccination rates contribute to the increase in measles cases. Healthy People 2030 set a goal of 95% measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine coverage for kindergarteners, but the U.S. falls short of this at 93%, and both Kansas and Missouri are at less than 92%. Public health experts warn that this trend increases the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases.

“These diseases are not gone. They are still here, and vaccines remain our most effective protection at preventing disease outbreaks,” Shaffer said.

Both Kansas and Missouri require several vaccines for children in school or child care, including but not limited to measles, mumps, rubella, whooping cough, polio and varicella (chickenpox). There are additional vaccines that are not required for school in every state, but that public health experts strongly recommend to prevent illness, including COVID-19, hepatitis A (required in Kansas), HPV and flu vaccinations.

Many local health departments offer walk-in or extended hours for immunizations, so parents and caregivers can bring in their children when it’s convenient for them. Some health departments are on or near RideKC bus routes. Jackson County Public Health offers free rideshare passes and Wyandotte County Public Health offers free transportation to and from appointments.

If a parent does not have health insurance or if their insurance does not cover vaccines, the Vaccines for Children program offers vaccines at no cost to eligible children through health care providers enrolled in the program. Parents can find out more about the recommended immunization schedule by contacting their health care provider or local health department.
 
Below is a list of back-to-school vaccination clinics in the region.
 
Jackson County, Missouri
Jackson County Public Health
3651 NE Ralph Powell Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064
 
Appointments only:
Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Fridays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Parents can make an appointment online or by calling 816-404-6416.
Jackson County Public Health also offers free Lyft passes to allow clients a complimentary round-trip ride to and from their appointments. An adult must accompany anyone under 17.

Kansas City, Missouri
City of Kansas City, Missouri, Health Department
2400 Troost Ave., Suite 1400, Kansas City, MO  64108
 
Currently filling appointments Monday through Friday with extended hours on Wednesdays to accommodate busy schedules:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. (check-in by 5:30 p.m.).
Wednesdays (July 10 through Aug. 28): 7:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. (check-in by 7:30 p.m.).
Thursday: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Please call 816-513-6108 to schedule an appointment.

​To meet the community’s needs, the Kansas City Health Department is also hosting several Saturday vaccination clinics throughout July and August. These clinics are open to all parents, guardians and children needing vaccinations for school, with no appointments necessary:
 
Saturday, July 27
KCPS Central High School, 3221 Indiana Ave., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 3
KCPS Fest at East High School, 1924 Van Brunt Boulevard, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Saturday before school starts: Aug. 17
2400 Troost Ave. from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Appointments are necessary due to high demand.