Health department encourages up-to-date immunizations before school starts

LaCamas Medical Group 838-2440 Wednesday, Aug. 18, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. 3240 N.E. Third Ave., Camas Free Clinic of Southwest Washington 313-1390 4100 Plomondon St., Vancouver Wednesday, Aug. 4, 11, 18 at 5 p.m., and Saturday, September 25, from 9 a.m. to noon Sea Mar Community Health Center vaccine clinics 852-9070 Center for Community Health, Building 17, third floor 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver Wednesday, Aug. 11, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (by appointment) La Center Elementary School 700 E. 4th St., La Center Saturday, Aug. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (by appointment) With school starting in just a few weeks, Clark County Public Health department is encouraging parents to schedule their children for a vaccine update. "Vaccinations are important because they protect children against serious and preventable illnesses, some of which have no cure or treatment," said Robin VanLiew of the health department. "Vaccinations not only protect the children receiving them, but the children around them as well, including their younger siblings." Several immunizations are required before children can attend school and/or child care. Students in kindergarten through ninth grade must be vaccinated against whooping cough. Kindergartners, first-, and second-graders need two doses of the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine or must have a health care provider document that they've had the disease. Kids starting third-, fourth-, and sixth-grade must get one dose of the chickenpox vaccine or their parents must document that they've had the disease. Although exemptions are allowed for medical, religious, or personal reasons, the best disease protection is to make sure children have all recommended immunizations. Unvaccinated children may be excluded from school or child care during disease outbreaks. All recommended vaccines for children under 19 are provided at no cost through Washington State's Childhood Vaccine Program. Health care providers may still charge an office visit or administration fee, but this can be waived for those unable to pay. Free or low-cost vaccinations for children and teens are available. Parents are asked to bring their child's immunization record with them.

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