Westchester Offers Free Back-To-School Vaccines

From the Westchester County Health Department

The Westchester County Department of Health will book appointments now for its free back-to-school vaccine clinics to assure children have the vaccines they need for school.

On June 13, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation removing non-medical exemptions from school vaccine requirements for children who attend childcare programs or public, private or parochial schools through 12th grade.

Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, said: “This will be the first school year for which there will be no religious exemptions to vaccinations in New York State. Parents should schedule vaccine visits with their healthcare provider as soon as possible to be sure their children have the vaccines they need to stay in school.”

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

The County Health Department can help. 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 one of the four special Back-to-School clinics:

• Friday, Aug. 30, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in White Plains
• Tuesday, Sept. 3, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Yonkers
• Saturday, Sept. 7, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Yonkers
• Tuesday, Sept. 10, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in White Plains

In addition, the Westchester County Department of Health provides free immunizations by appointment in its White Plains and Yonkers clinics to eligible children and students of all ages who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover vaccines.

Vaccine visits can be scheduled on the first and third Fridays in White Plains or on the second and fourth Fridays in Yonkers, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Health Department clinics are located at 20 S. Broadway in Yonkers and at 134 Court St. in White Plains.

Ask your healthcare provider which vaccines your children need. All 7th 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.