INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Health is partnering with local healthcare entities across the state to host immunization clinics this summer to help families have easy access to required immunizations before the start of the 2022-23 school year.
The statewide public awareness campaign is called Start Smart. The campaign includes a map.
The map shows the dates, times, and locations of immunization clinics. It can be found by clicking here.
Clinics are open to children ages five and older.
Families will not be charged on-site at the clinic but should provide insurance information if able to.
“Over the last two years, immunization rates for diseases like measles, mumps, and chicken pox have fallen 10 percent across Indiana, which puts children at greater risk of highly contagious, yet highly preventable, diseases,” State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG said. “While many parents already have appointments scheduled with their child’s pediatrician, we know that some may be having difficulty with access. These community clinics bring the services to areas with the greatest need to help ensure every child is protected before they walk into the classroom.”
IDOH will be mailing letters to parents of the children whose state immunization records show that they are behind on a required immunization.
“Immunizations are an essential part of keeping students healthy, and we encourage every family to take advantage of these local opportunities to get their children caught up and take one important task off their back-to-school checklist,” Dr. Box said.
A list of the required school immunizations can be found here.
-
Family working to spread mental health awareness after death of 13-year-old
A local family hopes to encourage others to get mental health help after 13-year-old Ayonna died by suicide in April 2021.Text message sent to voters in Hamilton County attacks school board candidate
This weekend, a text attacking HSE school board candidate Suzanne Thomas was sent to several voters. Now, those voters have questions about who sent it and how they got their numbers.Anderson residents, faith leaders hope to curb teen violence
In hopes of raising awareness about violence among teenagers in the community, faith leaders and residents walk Anderson streets weekly.Eiteljorg Museum celebrates Indigenous Peoples' Day
Columbus Day is a federal holiday, but many Americans recognize it as Indigenous Peoples' Day. The museum offered free admission and culturally significant programs to celebrate.