Guest post by Tri-County Health Department
When you think of back-to-school season, you might think about new books, backpacks and binders, but you may not think of vaccines! Colorado law requires students at licensed child care centers and schools to be vaccinated against certain diseases. Many people know that vaccines are recommended for babies, but additional doses are required for kindergarten and sixth grade entry to keep kids healthy and protected from preventable illness throughout the school year. Many colleges also require certain vaccines after age sixteen. More information on which vaccines are required in Colorado can be found here.
Staff from Tri-County Health Department, the Colorado Children’s Immunization Coalition, and Aurora Public Schools after a busy clinic at the Town Center of Aurora.
It’s important to talk with your child’s healthcare provider to determine what vaccines are recommended for them. You can also call Tri-County Health Department (TCHD) at (303) 451-0123 for this information. No matter how old they are, your child should also receive a yearly check-up with a healthcare provider; back-to-school time is a good reminder to schedule a dental check-up too. If your child does not have a healthcare provider, TCHD can also help you find one by calling (303) 873-4404.
At TCHD, we know that in the midst of the back-to-school rush, a visit to the clinic can be challenging to fit in. That’s why we’ve increased the number of clinics we offer and the number of nurses at each clinic to make it easier for families to come for vaccines. TCHD offers vaccines year-round at clinics at five offices in Adams, Arapahoe, and Douglas counties; we also offer clinics on the second Saturday of the month at Aurora Fire Station #2. Many clinics offer walk-in hours, but you can also make appointments. From time to time, we are also able to come to you and provide vaccine clinics in your community. We have partnered with schools and other local organizations to offer immunizations in places that may be more convenient than our regular clinics.
Special coolers keep vaccine at the right temperature for off-site events.
These clinics are great opportunities for our staff to be out in the community and for more kids to get vaccinated.
For more information on school-required vaccines, off-site clinics, or to schedule an appointment, call us at (303) 451-0123 or visit www.tchd.org/immunizations. Have a great, healthy school year!