Back-To-School Vaccinations Clinics Set For Westchester

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Free back-to-school vaccine clinics are being scheduled now in Westchester County.

The county Department of Health will now book appointments for its free vaccine clinics in Yonkers on Mondays and Thursdays from July 26 through the end of August and on Fridays in White Plains from July 23 through the end of August.

The appointments are for children to get the vaccines they need before school opens.

Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler said the clinics have the vaccines children need to start their in-person learning on time, including coronavirus vaccines for children age 12 and older.

"I also encourage families with their own health care provider to call now and avoid the September rush," she said, "because there are many families who must catch up on visits they missed during the past pandemic year."

Health officials said all children who do not have their required immunizations must have their first dose of vaccinations within 14 days from the first day of school. This requirement follows legislation enacted in 2019 that removed non-medical exemptions for children in public, private or parochial school through 12th grade as well as childcare programs.

Parents and guardians of these children must how that they have made appointments for all required follow-up doses within 30 days of the start of school.

Families with no insurance, ChildHealth Plus or Medicaid, should call the county health department to schedule an appointment for vaccines at no charge.

Call 914-995-5800 to find out if you qualify and to make an appointment for the following clinics:

At the County Health Department, 20 S. Broadway, 2nd floor in Yonkers:

• Mondays, July 26, through Aug. 30 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Thursdays, July 29 through Aug. 26, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

At the County Health Department, 134 Court St. in White Plains

• Fridays, July 23 through Aug. 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Anyone who wants a coronavirus vaccine can come to the clinics with no appointment during those times.

The Westchester County Department of Health provides free immunizations by appointment to eligible children and students of all ages who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover vaccines.

Ask your healthcare provider which vaccines your children need. All seventh and 12th graders must get the meningococcal vaccine, and all students must be vaccinated against whooping cough, measles and mumps.

Health Navigators available through the health department can help families and individuals sign up for the health insurance they need. Those without a regular doctor can learn where to go for ongoing primary care. For more information, call 914-995-6350.

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