CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Walk-in clinics for school immunizations will get underway Monday at both the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department and Putnam County Health Department.
Stephanie DeWees, the director of clinical services for both health departments, said it’s best for parents to get vaccinations for their children over with early.
“Not to wait to the last minute; plan ahead,” she said giving advice to parents. “Everyone wants to enjoy their summer, so if you get these things taken care of right away, then you can enjoy the entire summer.”
DeWees said not all students require immunizations, only kindergartners, seventh graders, twelfth graders and those moving from out of state. Kindergartners need a litany of vaccines.
“They basically need quite a few things,” DeWees said. “They need a couple Hepatitis A, three Hepatitis B, four DTAP, three polio, two MMR (Measels-Mumps-Rubella) and two varicella.”
The walk-in clinics are free through the Vaccine for Children program, but there is a small co-pay for those using insurance. She reminded parents and students of the importance of vaccines.
“Basically for their protection. These diseases are still out there, and the sooner we can get kids vaccinated, the better they are for protection,” she said.
Those seeking vaccinations are requested to bring all vaccine records to the health department, so the determination can be made about what vaccines are needed.
The clinics will run from Monday through April 1.