Logan County Department of Public Health offering back to school immunizations

[July 18, 2019]  The Logan County Department of Public Health (LCDPH) would like to remind parents that Illinois law requires students in Illinois schools to be immunized against certain vaccine-preventable diseases.

Back to school vaccinations help protect children and families from the spread of infectious diseases. We encourage parents to review their child’s immunization records and requirements and make plans to obtain needed immunizations soon. Vaccines help develop immunity to countless infectious diseases by enabling the body to recognize and fight vaccine-preventable diseases.

The following vaccines are required for children entering preschool and grades K-12: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), measles, mumps, rubella, polio, haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), varicella (chickenpox), pneumococcal, meningitis and hepatitis B. Students entering college should check with the health services at their college regarding immunization requirements.

To beat the late season rush on back to school shots, it is highly encouraged you do not wait until the last minute. No appointments are needed at LCDPH and you will be greeted by their courteous and professional staff. As an incentive for coming in July, LCDPH is offering a FREE game of bowling at Logan Lanes. Be sure to stop in today!

Illinois law also requires students entering kindergarten, sixth and ninth grades to have a physical examination. Southern Illinois University (SIU) Center for Family Medicine’s caring medical staff is available at LCDPH to serve you by providing school physical and sports exams in addition to meeting your family’s complete medical needs. LCDPH and SIU are pleased to partner in the prevention effort to ensure all families and their children are protected and assured healthy for the start of the school year. To schedule a physical exam or if you have questions, you can reach the SIU clinic at 217-735-2317 (extension 1).

The LCDPH immunization clinic currently operates Monday thru Friday from 7:30am-3:45pm. All major insurances are accepted. Please contact LCDPH with any immunization questions at 217-735-2317. For information regarding LCDPH services, you can also log onto their website at WWW.LCDPH.ORG. 

[Kara A. Davis, RN, BSN
Director of Nursing/Assistant Administrator/HealthWorks Case Manager
Logan County Department of Public Health]