Free immunization clinic set

Eastern Idaho Public Health (EIPH) will hold a free childhood immunization clinic Monday, April 22. It will be held at the EIPH Office at 1250 Hollipark Drive from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The National Immunization Survey indicated Idaho’s immunization rates are among the lowest in the country. According to the district, as of 2017, approximately 71% of 3-year-olds have received the entire series of vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.

Several southeast Idaho schools have average vaccination rates as low as 60%.

The health district said most of the diseases covered by vaccines are rare, because of the success of immunization programs. Outbreaks are occurring more frequently because of falling immunization rates.

EIPH and the Eastern Idaho Immunization Coalition have made boosting the state’s immunization rate its top priority.

Foreign travel immunizations are not included in the free clinic. EIPH will be billing insurance and Medicaid, but there will be no out-of-pocket expense to participants. Those with immunization cards should bring them to the free clinic.

For information or to schedule an appointment call 208-533-3235.