County Health Center: Add immunizations to ‘back to school’ supply lists

The St. Francois County Health Center reminds parents to prepare for the upcoming school year now by getting their children’s annual physical and required immunizations.

“Immunizations prepare our immune system to fight infections that cause many serious diseases,” said Sharon Wallace, St. Francois County Health Center director. “Even though we’re still on summer vacation, we encourage parents to get their children’s immunization now instead of waiting until the busy days right before school begins.”

Missouri law requires children in kindergarten through 12th grade to receive immunizations to protect against nine vaccine-preventable diseases. This helps protect everyone, including students, teachers, staff and other community members.

Children attending kindergarten through 12th grade are required to have the following up-to-date immunizations or booster shots:

DTaP – Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis or DT – diphtheria and tetanus

Tdap – Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (required for 8th, 9th and 10th grade)

IPV – Polio

Hepatitis B

MMR – Measles, mumps, rubella

Varicella – Chickenpox

Most vaccines are covered by health insurance and children 18 and younger may be eligible to get immunizations for free through the Vaccines for Children Program if they are Medicaid eligible, uninsured, underinsured or an American Indian or Alaskan Native.

Contact your health care provider to ensure your child is up to date on immunizations. For more information visit www.health.mo.gov/immunizations or contact St. Francois County Health Center at 573-431-1947 or visit their website at www.sfchc.org.