The Jackson County Health Department is urging parents to ensure their children are up-to-date on vaccinations as they prepare to return to school. Vaccinations are crucial in protecting children from serious diseases such as meningitis, pertussis, chickenpox, polio, and measles. It is important to remember that unvaccinated students who do not have proof of immunity may be excluded from school during disease outbreaks, putting their education and health at risk.
Parents should check their child's shot records now to ensure they meet the school vaccination requirements. The Jackson County Health Department, a Vaccines for Children (VFC) provider, offers low-cost vaccinations for qualifying children and accepts many insurance plans, including Medicaid Managed Care Organizations. This makes it accessible for all families to keep their children protected.
Immunization services are available by appointment from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, with extended hours on Tuesdays until 5:30 pm. Parents are reminded to bring their child’s shot record and insurance information to their appointment to ensure a smooth process. Additionally, COVID-19 vaccinations are available for children aged 12 and up, providing further protection as they return to school.
Do not wait until the first day of school to verify if your child complies with health requirements. Ensuring your child is vaccinated not only protects them but also contributes to the health and safety of the entire school community. The immunization requirements for the 2024-2025 school year remain the same as last year and can be found at Idph.illinois.gov. Now is the time to act and make sure your child is ready for a healthy school year ahead.
