The Barton County Health Department will hold a special immunization clinic on Saturday, Aug. 5, from 7-10 a.m. for all Barton County students needing immunizations before returning to school or sports, Health Director Shelly Schneider said. 

“Numerous providers, in collaboration with area schools, will be holding sports physical events in the next few weeks,” she said. “The health department is offering a special opportunity to get area students protected from vaccine preventable diseases.”

Parents are reminded that they must bring their insurance information and accompany their students to the clinic to receive any immunizations. “Many athletes and students will need recommended vaccines to achieve full protection for the upcoming school year as well as for their lifetime,” Schneider said. 

All students and athletes need protection, including those entering colleges and universities in the Fall. 

“Vaccines are one of the best ways to help keep your children healthy,” said Health Department nurse Karen Winkelman. “Vaccines not only protect your children, but also the children and adults around you.”

Many outbreaks of preventable diseases occur when children in the community do not receive the recommended vaccines, she said. “Infections in unvaccinated children can spread to other vulnerable children or adults in the community, such as infants too young to receive vaccines, people with weak immune systems or elderly adults. Keeping up with vaccines for your family can help keep other families healthy too.”

To avoid long waiting times for back-to-school immunizations, parents are encouraged to start bringing their children to Barton County Health Department now to update immunizations. All immunization records will be reviewed with parents and students to identify any needed immunizations and gaps in disease protection that can be covered with vaccines.

For more information, contact Barton County Health Department at 620-793-1902.