Spanish translation available here. Traducción al español disponible aquí.
This August, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services is hosting two no-cost vaccine clinics for children from ages 4 through 18 years of age. The required and recommended school immunizations will be provided at no charge. The drop-in events require no appointment, and staffing is expected to handle things in an expedient manner.
“We encourage everyone to get the required and recommended immunizations for prevention and to reduce illness for everyone,” says Renae Miller, public information supervisor for the Thurston County Public Health and Social Services.
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)
- 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.
- Meningococcal (first dose at ages 11-12).
The Two Events are Being Held
Wednesday, August 13, 2025. The clinic is being held in conjunction with the Thurston County Resource Hub Block Party taking place at 929 Lakeridge Drive SW, Olympia, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be numerous services during this second annual Block Party, including free veterinary care and grooming, free showers, free haircuts, free hot dog lunch, and free blood screenings. People will be able to donate blood, receive information about healthcare services, and there will even be a raffle for prizes.
Thursday, August 21, 2025. The other clinic is being held in conjunction with School Supply Giveaway at Roof Community Services at 10140 US-12 SW, Rochester, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
What You Need to Bring and Know
- Students under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- All students in Thurston County are welcome
- Bring your immunizations records, if you have them
- People are taken on a first-come, first served basis
- No exemptions or waivers will be issued
The county’s Medical Reserve Corps is part of the staff for these clinics. The community-based volunteer program strengthens and expands the public system’s response. Medical and non-medical professionals contribute their skills in an emergency, or in this case, the immunization clinics. This will help people move as expediently as possible. The county understands that parents are often pressed for both time and funds. These events offer a low barrier for optimal participation.
Arrivals will get checked in and registered, and then screened for medical records. It is helpful to bring your own records, especially if you are from out of state. Then the immunizations will take place. Nurses are available to provide more information and answer questions.
Childhood immunizations protect children from serious and even deadly diseases. These early vaccinations protect children when they are especially vulnerable. The vaccine schedule covers fourteen different diseases. State laws establish requirements for school children and may cover not only those attending public school but also private schools, preschools, and daycares. All children, whether schooled publicly or privately, are welcome.
It was not so long ago that 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. People may have forgotten the devastation of polio, but forgetting does not prevent disease. Preventable diseases, such as measles, can be more easily spread when fewer individuals are immunized.
Mark Your Calendar for Thurston County Free Immunization Clinics
“We encourage people to come before school starts,” says Renae. It’s free and easy. Spread the word about keeping kids healthy.
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