Dutchess Offers Free 'Back-To-School' Vaccinations

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Free back-to-school vaccinations, including the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine, are being offered in Dutchess County.

With August being National Immunization Awareness Month, and families getting ready for school to start in September, the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health is offering free vaccinations for all those interested in having their children immunized prior to the start of the school year.

The department's Childhood Immunization Clinic is located at the Family Partnership building at 29 North Hamilton St. in Poughkeepsie, Suite 109.

Appointments are required; call 845-486-3409 or 845-486-3533. Ample, free parking is available in the lot across the street.

COVID-19 vaccinations appointments are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, starting Aug. 16.

Families should plan for the appointment to run about 30 minutes. Participants will be asked to complete a health screening form and the health department will provide counseling on the vaccine.

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine availability is in addition to the extensive list of children's vaccines offered at the clinic.

Childhood immunizations for children, 2 months and older, including those mandated by the New York for school attendance.

The coronavirus vaccine is only available for those 12 and older.