Health department to offer flu vaccine starting Sept. 14

The Oneida County Health Department is reminding parents that back-to-school season is a good time to check whether your child’s vaccinations are up to date.

“Staying up to date on recommended vaccines helps protect your child from serious illnesses—and helps protect others, too,” county health officials said in a press release. “This includes classmates, family members, babies who are too young for some vaccines, and people with weakened immune systems. Vaccines protect against diseases like polio, measles, whooping cough, and chickenpox. Vaccination has greatly reduced many of these diseases, but they can still spread and cause serious illness. For families, that can mean missed school, missed work, medical appointments, and sometimes hospitalization.”

Wisconsin schools require students to have certain vaccinations or an approved waiver on file. Requirements vary by age and grade, so the start of the school year is a good time to check each child’s vaccination record. A yearly flu vaccine is also recommended for children 6 months and older. Flu can cause more than a few days of feeling sick—some children can become seriously ill. Getting vaccinated each year helps protect children during flu season. Flu vaccines will be available at the Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) beginning Monday, September 14. No appointment is needed—families can walk in between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. OCHD will also offer community clinics throughout the fall and winter. “Not sure what your child needs? You don’t have to figure it out on your own. Talk with your child’s health care provider or contact the Oneida County Health Department,” the release states. “You can also check your child’s vaccination record through the Wisconsin Immunization Registry. For information about Wisconsin vaccination recommendations and school requirements, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/immunization/childhood.htm.”

For more information on vaccine clinics and other services, visit the Oneida County Health Department’s Facebook page, Instagram @oneidacountyhealthdept, website (www.oneidacountypublichealth.org), or call 715-369-6111.