Don’t leave immunizations off back-to-school lists, experts say
Buying backpacks and school supplies is part of back-to-school preparation, but parents also shouldn’t forget about those needed immunizations.
“Most of the kids going into kindergarten have come through already during kindergarten roundup,” said Sherri Warren Kelley, LVN and immunization outreach specialist at Texarkana Bowie County Family Health Center. “Now who we’re seeing are mostly the kids who’ve moved here from out of state and the ones going into the seventh grade, because they need the meningococcal and TDAP vaccines.”
Not having an up-to-date immunization record could keep some children out of school.
“If they are from out of state, they cannot go to school without having their shots up to date. They won’t be able to start,” Kelley said. “If they are from in-state and they transfer, most schools will allow a couple of weeks.”
Vaccinations are available at Bowie County Family Health Center and Miller County Health Unit.
The Texas-side clinic charges a $14 administration fee just for the visit for people with no insurance, regardless of the number of vaccines they get.
“Most insurances cover it, but if for any reason their insurance doesn’t cover it, we will vaccinate them because they’re considered underinsured,” Kelley said.
The clinic only gives vaccinations from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays. People are seen on a walk-in basis.
On the Arkansas side, Miller County Health Unit immunizations are usually of no cost to the patient, said Meg Mirivel, public information officer for the Arkansas Department of Health.
“If they have insurance, we’ll bill their insurance. If it’s not covered or they have no insurance, we’ll typically cover that,” Mirivel said. “No one will be turned away based on their ability to pay.”
Miller County Health Unit is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and gives immunizations by appointment.
“Appointments are preferred, but they will try to accommodate walk-ins,” Mirivel said.