KC Reporter

With the new school year approaching, the Kansas City Health Department is encouraging parents and guardians to ensure their children are current on required vaccinations. As mandated by school policies, students must be immunized to attend school on the first day.

"Immunizations are crucial for protecting the health of our children and preventing the spread of diseases within our schools," said Dr. Marvia Jones, Kansas City Health Department director. "We understand the urgency as vaccination demand peaks during July and August."

The Health Department, located at 2400 Troost Ave, Suite 1400, is currently filling appointments Monday through Friday with extended hours on Wednesdays to accommodate busy schedules:

- Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 7:30 am - 6:00 pm (Check-in by 5:30 pm)

- Wednesdays (July 10 through Aug. 28): 7:30 am – 8:00 pm (Check-in by 7:30 pm)

- Thursday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

To make an appointment, please call (816) 513-6108.

The Health Department also hosts several Saturday vaccination clinics throughout July and August to meet community needs. These clinics are open to all parents, guardians, and children needing vaccinations for school without requiring appointments:

Saturday, July 20:

- UMKC Health Fair @ Kansas City Health Dept, 2400 Troost Ave, from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

- Christmas in July @ Hickman Mills Middle School, 9010A Old Santa Fe Rd, from 10:00 am -2 :00 pm

Saturday, July 27:

- KCPS Central High School at 3221 Indiana Ave from10 :00 am -2 :00 pm

Saturday ,August3 :

-KCPSFest @ East High School at1924 Van Brunt Blvd from10 :00am -2 :00pm

Additionally , a special Saturday clinic will be held on August17th at2400 Troost Ave from8 :00am to2 :00pm , just days before the school year begins . Appointments are necessary due to high demand; walk-ins will be accommodated as time permits and may be asked to return the following week if capacity is reached .

"Our Saturday clinics provide flexibility for families who may find it challenging to schedule appointments during the week," Dr. Jones emphasized. "We have the capacity to vaccinate up to100 children per day at our clinic on August17th , but we encourage scheduling ahead to secure a spot ."

For more information about required vaccinations and clinic locations , visit KCMO.gov/health or call(816 )513 -6108 .

Immunizations needed:

Entering Kindergarten:

-Measles,Mumps,and Rubella(MMR)

-Varicella(Chickenpox)

-Diphtheria,Tetanus,Pertussis(DTaP)

-Polio

-Hepatitis B

11to12-years-old Boosters:

-Tetanus,Diphtheria,Pertussis(Whooping Cough)(DTap)

-Meningococcal(MCV)to prevent Meningitis

-HPV(Recommended)

Booster for16and older:

-Meningococcal booster(MCV4)

-Meningococcal B(Recommended)

Please bring the following items when receiving immunizations:

-Picture ID,

Insurance or medical cards,

vaccination records,

school letters,and written consent if you are not the parent or guardian.

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