As back-to-school season is in full swing and families get their students ready with everything they need for the school year, keeping current with required immunizations is an important part of being prepared.
In an effort to fill the gaps in access to health care, DC Health is providing a host of support to local families to ensure that they can receive their yearly vaccinations.
“While accessing childhood immunizations through a medical provider is the ideal option, we understand that it may not always be convenient for every family,” Ayanna Bennet, Director of DC Health stated in a press release. “That’s why we’ve stayed focused on increasing the number and availability of vaccination clinics across the District, to make it easier for families to stay on track. Our goal is to provide additional resources and support to ensure that every child is protected and ready for a healthy school year.”
Local health officials urge parents to seek the various opportunities to access vaccination hubs, including:
- DC Public Schools (DCPS) Student Health Hub: Available through Saturday, Aug. 17, the DCPS Student Health Hub will offer DCPS families free health exams, access to District health vendors, and immunization and health resources. Families can register at – bit.ly/dcpsstudenthealthhub
- School-Based Health Centers: Families that house students who are 3 years of age and older are eligible to visit a school-based health center for vaccination-only appointments, regardless of where that student is enrolled for school. The listing of school-based health centers is available at – dc.gov.
- School Located and Community Vaccination Events: Vaccination events at schools, community locations, and recreation centers are available to provide easy access to immunizations.
Families are encouraged to bring their insurance cards to each vaccination event to confirm eligibility for no-cost vaccinations.