Spanish translation available here. Traducción al español disponible aquí.
Back-to-school time is getting closer. Public schools have required immunizations for students to be admitted. Thurston County is hosting two no-cost clinics at North Thurston High School on Thursday, August 15, and Grand Mound Elementary School on Friday, September 13, 2024. These Back 2 School Clinics are for any child, ages 3-18 who is entering school, whether public, private, or home-schooled.
Required Immunizations for School Entry
- DTap/Tdap – diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis
- Hepatitis B
- IPV – inactivated poliovirus
- MMR – measles, mumps, and rubella
- Varicella – chicken pox
Recommended Immunizations
- HPV – human papillomavirus (ages 9 and above)
- Meningococcal (first dose at ages 11-12)
The HPV vaccine is a two-dose series, most effective when administered around 11-12 years of age. The second dose should be given 6-12 months after the first dose.
What You Need to Know/Bring
- Students under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- All students in Thurston County are welcome
- Appointments are strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome – Register here!
- Walk-ins are a first-come, first served basis
- No exemptions or waivers will be issued
Thurston County Immunization Clinic Locations
“The school has been a wonderful partner. We have paired with North Thurston High School for hosting clinics in the past. These are places where parents are familiar and comfortable,” says Wendy Hurst, Thurston County Immunization Coordinator.
North Thurston High School
600 Sleater-Kinney Road NE
4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
See the flyer
Grand Mound Elementary School
7710 James Road SW, Rochester
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
See the flyer
The clinics are in part staffed by the county’s Medical Reserve Corps volunteers. It is a community-based volunteer program that strengthens and expands the public system’s response. Medical and non-medical professionals contribute their skills in an emergency or, in this case, immunization clinics. The county has organized many such events, so participants can expect an organized set up to move people as expediently as possible. The county understands parents can be pressed for time and funds. “We want parents to have as low a barrier as possible,” says Alex Dingess, Emergency Preparedness & Response Supervisor.
Children and parents will arrive, check in, get registered and then screened for medical records. Then the immunizations will take place. “We work to be as organized as possible,” says Wendy. Remember that walk-ins are acceptable, and appointment are recommended.
CDC and the Advisory Committee Immunization Practices
The Advisory Committee Immunization Practices (ACIP) within the Center for Disease Control develops recommendations for U.S. immunizations, including ages when vaccines should be given, number of doses, and precautions and contraindications. State laws establish requirements for school children and may cover not only those attending public school but private schools, preschools, and daycares.
Childhood immunizations protect children from serious and even deadly diseases. The early vaccinations protect children when they are especially vulnerable. The vaccine schedule covers 14 different diseases.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, polio epidemics were common. It was greatly feared, and survivors faced lifelong consequences. That vaccine virtually eliminated polio in the United States; however, it still exists in the world and is easily spread. Immunization protects your child from a disease many people have forgotten.
Preventable diseases can come back around because they are not totally eradicated.
Mark Your Calendars for Thurston County No-Cost Immunizations
Pull out your child’s immunization record. You might also check through the Washington State Department of Health. If you don’t find it, staff at the clinic may be of help. Thurston County cares about the well-being of the children in your family and in our community. “We encourage people to come before school starts,” says Renae Miller, Thurston County Public Information Officer. Make your appointment today!
Sponsored
