With the school year nearing, the Knox County Health Department is urging parents to prioritize vaccinations and physicals to ensure children are ready for the classroom, offering walk-in vaccine clinics and accessible health services.
The Health Department, at 1361 W. Fremont St., will hold walk-in vaccine clinics from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, August 5 and 6, providing all required immunizations to meet Illinois school requirements, including DTaP, Tdap, polio, hepatitis B, MMR, and chickenpox.
“If your child is behind on vaccines, we can get them back on track,” said Tammy Nelson, LPN and Communicable Disease Coordinator, during an interview Monday on Galesburg’s Morning News.
The Vaccines for Children program offers free or low-cost vaccines for eligible kids, including those uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid-eligible, or American Indian or Alaskan Native. Parents should bring vaccine records and insurance cards, with Medicaid, insurance, cash, checks, or credit cards accepted. Appointments are available Monday through Friday by calling (309) 344-2224.
School and sports physicals are required for students entering preschool, kindergarten, 6th grade, and 9th grade, with kindergarteners also needing vision and dental exams.
The Knox Community Health Center, open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, provides these by appointment, offering same-day options for families without a primary care physician.
“We’re a one-stop shop for all immunization and physical requirements,” said Erin Olson, Director of Public Health Information and Community Engagement. Call (309) 344-2225 to schedule.
The KCHD urges early action to avoid last-minute rushes.
For details, visit www.knoxcountyhealth.org.
