Health department offers back-to-school immunizations

ALBANY — The Dougherty County Health Department is urging parents to avoid the back-to-school rush by getting their children immunized with state-required vaccines during early Saturday clinics. These clinics will be open on Saturday and on July 21.

“We are making it convenient for parents and caregivers by holding a pair of Saturday clinics,” Dougherty County Health Department Immunization Coordinator Beverly Reid said. “Vaccines will be available to all during the clinics, but our focus will be on children who need vaccines prior to going to school and youths entering seventh grade who need adolescent vaccines.”

The clinics will be conducted from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. During the clinics, staff will also provide hearing, vision, dental and nutrition screenings.

Reid said the state of Georgia has specific immunization requirements for children entering schools and day care facilities.

“The vaccinations are for the protection of your children, other family members, classmates, staff and the community,” she said.

As of July 1, 2014, all children born on or after Jan. 1, 2002 who are attending seventh grade and students who are newly enrolled in Georgia schools in grades 8-12, must have received one dose of Tdap vaccine and one dose of adolescent meningococcal (meningitis) disease vaccine.

The health department accepts most insurance; low-pay and no-pay options are also available for qualified applicants.

For more information about the clinics, call (229) 638-6424.