Local Health Officials Ask: “If Not Now, When?”
Created on Thursday, 23 September 2010 15:21
Contact: Collette DuValle, 317-373-2391
Marion County Health Department workers vaccinated 310 students during the third-day of back to school immunization clinics being held at the Lafayette Square Mall. The clinics continue until Friday.
The three-day total number of students vaccinated is just over 1,300, far fewer than local officials expected to see. At least 33,00 Marion County school-aged children are believed to need at least one of the required school vaccinations.
Clinics will be held at Lafayette Square today from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
The health department will also hold a back to school clinic at the Lawrence North High School Gymnasium Saturday, September 25 from 9 a.m. – Noon.
After the Saturday clinic, the health department has no other large back to school clinics scheduled, leaving parents and their children with fewer immunization resources.
Throughout the summer, the health department’s District Health Offices have been vaccinating students. Since July 31, the health department and the Indianapolis Immunization Coalition have held seven evening or weekend clinics. During the second week of August, the health department expanded the hours of its District Health Offices. September 17, the health department announced it would consolidate its District Health Office resources to a single location at Lafayette Square Mall during the week of September 20.
The Marion County Health Department is set to begin seasonal flu clinics during the first week of October.
