Clinics are open for back to school immunizations

Back-to-school immunization clinics this summer are part of a statewide effort to help families easily access required and recommended school immunizations.

The Start Smart campaign includes an interactive map showing dates, times, and locations of community immunization clinics.

Jennifer Case-Tardiff, with the immunization program at the Marion County Public Health Department, said immunization rates have fallen, which puts children at greater risk of highly contagious, yet highly preventable, diseases.

“You know, we just want to get everyone well protected as they can because immunization rates are down across the state,” Case-Tardiff said.

There are currently no plans to offer the COVID-19 vaccine at the clinics.

“As we move along, if we are seeing that is necessary, we’ll find a way to do that, but we can always connect them to where they can go ahead and schedule and get that COVID vaccine,” Case-Tardiff said.

The clinics are open to children ages 5 and older.

The Indiana Department of Health is mailing letters to parents of children whose state immunization records show they are behind on a required immunization.

“Immunizations are an essential part of keeping students healthy, and we encourage every family to take advantage of these local opportunities to get their children caught up and take one important task off their back-to-school checklist,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box.

A list of immunizations required for school can be found here.