St. Joseph Health Department urges families to update student vaccines before school starts

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- With the first day of school just around the corner, the St. Joseph Health Department is reminding families to make sure their students are up to date on immunizations. 

If a child is still in need of a vaccine, the department is urging parents to get it done by the end of this week. 

Shots will be available at the health department clinic, 904 S. 10th St., on the following days: 

• Monday, Aug. 11: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

• Wednesday, Aug. 13–Friday, Aug. 15: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

• Monday, Aug. 18: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

There will be no services on Tuesday, Aug. 12, including access to immunization records. 

Any resident can use the immunization clinic, but kids must be accompanied by a parent or guardian 18 years old or older with a valid ID. Adults should bring an insurance card (if they have one) and a copy of the child’s immunization record (if available). 

The clinic will also offer the optional HPV vaccine for anyone 11 or older. 

For more details — including information on exemptions — visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.