LUCAS COUNTY, OH (WTOL) - The new school year is nearly two weeks away.
As you get backpacks and lunchboxes checked off your list, you'll need to do the same for vaccines.
Vaccinations are required by Ohio State law before sending your kids off to school.
The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department recognizes August as National Immunization Awareness Month, and encourages parents to have their children immunized now to avoid the back-to-school immunization rush.
The health department is one of many places that can help you check them off your list.
The health department hosts a program called Shots for Tots N Teens, which are walk-in vaccination clinics for children up to age 18.
If your child is in one of these age groups, here is what vaccinations they require:
- Kindergarten - Complete vaccine and physical requirements
- Seventh-graders - Documentation of Tdap and meningitis
- 12th grade - Documentation of the meningitis vaccine before or after their 16th birthday
- Preschool and K-12 - diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), measles, mumps, rubella,
polio, varicella (chickenpox) and hepatitis B
Students entering college should check with the health services at their college regarding immunization requirements.
In order for your child to receive any of these services, you must bring
- Your child's paper shot record
- Your child's insurance card (if applicable).
- Parent's ID
A fee of $21.25 per shot is charged for those without insurance, but the health department says no child will be turned away due to inability to pay. Cash,check and credit card are accepted.
If your child's vaccinations are not up to date, they could be sent home from school.
"Back to school vaccinations help protect our children and families from the spread of infectious diseases," said Eric Zgodzinski, Lucas County Health Commissioner. "I encourage parents to review their child's immunization records and requirements and make plans to obtain needed immunizations soon."
And don't wait until the last minute to get these vaccines out of the way. Appointments may be harder to get as the school year gets closer as clinics might be busier.
Below are list of upcoming clinics:
For addition information, call 419-213-4121.
