Health district prepares for back-to-school immunization rush

With the start of school just weeks away, the Eastern Idaho Public Health District is reminding parents to have their children vaccinated.

James Corbett, the immunization coordinator, said this is the busiest time of the year.

“We see a lot of kids during August,” said Corbett. “Not only us, but providers in the area see a big rush during August.”

He said many parents wait untill the last minute to schedule vaccinations.

“We try and encourage parents to get them in as soon as they turn 11 for those seventh-grade requirements,” said Corbett. “And as early as they turn four-years-old for those kindergarten shots.”

Seventh-graders are required to get the Tdap and meningococcal vaccination, while kindergarten requirements vary depending on when the child was born. If children aren’t vaccinated by the beginning of school they will need to be conditionally enrolled.

“If you don’t have those immunizations up to date, you child can be admitted to school, but only for a short period of time,’ said Corbett.

If money is an issue, assistance is available to make sure children are not turned away without a vaccination.

The Eastern Idaho Public Health District is holding an immunization clinic at Taylorview and Eagle Rock middle schools from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aug. 21.