Westchester Reminds Families To Get Children Vaccinated

WHITE PLAINS, NY — “Back to school” means more than new clothes and school supplies.

To help children stay healthy and in the classroom throughout the school year, the Westchester County Department of Health is reminding families that it’s time to book back-to-school vaccine visits with their child’s health care provider or at the county’s free back-to-school clinics.

County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Ameler said children should keep up or catch up with the vaccines recommended for their age and grade.

“To avoid serious illnesses that can cause children to skip school, miss sports, play dates and activities, families should schedule vaccine visits now,” she said.

“Vaccines protect your child, and they also protect infants and children around them who are too young to be vaccinated, or who cannot be vaccinated because of other medical conditions,” Amler said.

For those without insurance, or who have Child Health Plus or Medicaid, the county Health Department can help, officials said.

Besides school vaccines, the county also offers influenza vaccines for children ages 6 months and older.

Children must have their first dose of all required vaccinations within 14 days of the first day of school. Parents and guardians must show they have made appointments for all required follow-up doses within 30 days of the start of school.

Parents should ask their health care provider which vaccines their children need. All seventh and twelfth graders must get the meningococcal vaccine, and all students must be vaccinated against whooping cough, measles and mumps.

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 secure a spot at the Health Department clinics, at 134 Court Street in White Plains or 20 South Broadway in Yonkers.

Appointments are available on Thursdays in Yonkers, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays in White Plains, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Extended hours are available in Yonkers on Thursday, Sept. 7 and 14, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and in White Plains on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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.