Back-to-School Immunization Clinics Offered at Health Department

The Garrett County Health Department has scheduled two immunization clinics in August to help parents meet the new immunization requirements for school students.

The new requirements include: a second dose of Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine for Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, & 3rd grade students; a single dose of Tdap and a single dose of Meningococcal vaccine for all students entering 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th grade.

The clinics will be by appointment only, and will be held on from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on August 11 at 28 Hershberger Lane, Grantsville, and on August 17 at 1025 Memorial Drive, Oakland.  Tdap, Meningococcal, and Varicella vaccine will be offered free of charge regardless of the student’s insurance status. There will also be no administration fee.  Parents are asked to bring a current copy of the student’s immunization record. To schedule an appointment at either location, please call 301 334-7770 or 301 895-3111.

Gardasil® (Human Papillomavirus or HPV vaccine) will also be available at these clinics for age-eligible students.  Gardasil® is recommended for both females and males to prevent certain cancers caused by HPV infection including cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers.  Gardasil® will be available at no charge for “Vaccines for Children or VFC Program” eligible students which includes persons aged 9 to 18 years of age with Medicaid, those uninsured, or those whose insurance does not pay for the vaccine.  There will be an administration fee for students eligible under the VFC Program.  Students with commercial health insurance should bring a valid insurance card so their insurance can be billed for Gardasil®.

All other school related vaccines will also be available if needed.  All insurances will be billed for the cost of vaccine(s) and administration fee(s) and VFC eligibility will be determined during the visit.