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Not much in life is free – especially when it comes to healthcare! But Thurston County wants to make sure your family is back-to-school ready, starting with protecting your kids at their no-cost Back 2 School Immunization Clinics just in time for fall! No registration is necessary, so just drop by one of their clinics, happening on August 19 or August 20, 2026. Kids ages 4 to 18 are welcome.
“Vaccines help teach the immune system how to defend against germs,” shares Dr. Barbra Villona, Thurston County Health officer with Thurston County Public Health & Social Services. “Vaccines help prevent infections and significantly lower the risk of developing or spreading diseases. They are the most effective way to prevent many infectious illnesses.”
No-Cost School Immunization Clinic: What to Bring
Thurston County Public Health & Social Services wants to take one less worry off your back-to-school checklist with free immunization clinics that cover all the school-required immunizations:
- DTaP/Tdap (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)
- Hepatitis B
- IPV (inactivated poliovirus)
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Varicella (chicken pox)
As well as recommended immunizations (depending on age of child):
- HPV (human papillomavirus)
- Meningococcal
If you can, bring your child’s immunization records to the clinic. Staff share that if your child has had previous immunizations in Washington State, you can access their records online. Staff at the clinic can also access immunization records given in Washington.
If you have recently moved into the state, please bring your immunization records with you, if at all possible. “These records help our team make the appropriate vaccine recommendations for your child,” explains Villona.
Getting your child immunized isn’t just about state requirements. It’s about keeping them – and others – safe. “In addition to protecting your child from many serious and potentially deadly diseases, they protect others in your family and community,” Villona shares. “They do this by helping stop the spread of disease, which can be especially helpful to those who cannot have vaccines, such as babies who are too young to be vaccinated.”
Thurston County Free School Immunization Clinic Dates and Times
Summers are busy, so don’t worry about registering for a free back-to-school immunization clinic, you can just show up on the day that works best for you!
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
11a.m. – 3 p.m.
Thurston County Resource Hub
929 Lakeridge Drive SW, Olympia
Thursday, August 20, 2026
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
ROOF Community Services
10140 US-12 SW, Rochester
Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. All children from Thurston County are welcome. No exemptions or waivers will be issued.
And don’t worry if your child gets nervous about shots! The nurses and staff at the no-cost immunization clinics work hard to provide a pleasant experience for all. “Fear of vaccines is normal for children,” reassures Villona. “Our clinic staff aim to create a welcoming and calm environment that helps kids feel safe. Alongside parents, our staff can help comfort children to ease anxiety during vaccines. It’s important to be open and honest with children about vaccines, so they know what to expect. While receiving vaccines, tools can be used to help provide comfort. Our team may use distraction, such as singing, talking, or counting, or provide comfort tools such as a weighted plushie or toy.”
Thurston County Public Health &Social Services will also be able to help those who speak Spanish. Bilingual staff and volunteers will be on site to assist with translational services for Spanish speaking individuals. For languages other than Spanish, staff and volunteers have the ability to utilize video calls for translational services.
Learn more about the free Back 2 School Immunization Clinics on the Thurston County Public Health & Social Services website.
Here’s to a healthy new school year! Click here to see printable flyer in various languages.
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