LEONARDTOWN, MD (July 5, 2023) – The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) is set to organize free back-to-school vaccination clinics for children residing in St. Mary’s County. The clinics will be held at the county’s two school-based health centers, providing essential vaccines to children between the ages of birth and 18. This initiative ensures that children are adequately protected against common diseases before returning to school.
The clinics will offer several vaccines, including Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough), Meningococcal (meningitis), HPV (human papillomavirus), and Varicella (chicken pox). To receive the vaccines, a parent or guardian must be present and bring the child’s immunization record along with any relevant school forms. Maryland residents can conveniently access and print their official vaccination records through MyIR, Maryland’s free immunization record portal. To further assist the community, a Spanish-speaking interpreter will be available on-site.
To schedule an appointment, individuals can visit smchd.org/immunizations or call 301-475-4330. The clinics will be conducted on various dates and at different locations to accommodate residents. The Spring Ridge Middle School-Based Health Center will host clinics on Tuesday, July 11 (3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.), Friday, July 14 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.), Saturday, August 12 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.), and Saturday, September 9 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.). Meanwhile, the Margaret Brent Middle School-Based Health Center will hold clinics on Tuesday, July 25 (3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.), Friday, July 28 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.), and Saturday, August 26 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.).
For further details regarding vaccination recommendations based on age, individuals are encouraged to visit smchd.org/immunizations or contact the SMCHD Health Clinic at 301-475-4330.
The St. Mary’s County Health Department’s initiative to host free back-to-school vaccination clinics underscores the importance of ensuring children are adequately protected against preventable diseases. By offering these vaccines at school-based health centers, the department aims to make the vaccination process convenient and accessible for parents and guardians. Vaccinations are crucial in safeguarding public health and minimizing the risk of outbreaks within educational institutions.
Maryland’s MyIR immunization record portal further simplifies the process by allowing residents to access and print their official vaccination records. This convenient resource saves time and ensures accurate documentation of children’s immunization history. Moreover, the presence of a Spanish-speaking interpreter at the clinics demonstrates SMCHD’s commitment to inclusivity and ensures all community members can fully participate in this crucial healthcare initiative.
To accommodate the busy schedules of parents and guardians, the clinics will be held on various dates and times at the Spring Ridge Middle School-Based Health Center and the Margaret Brent Middle School-Based Health Center. This flexibility ensures that all families can access the necessary vaccinations before the school year begins. By adhering to the recommended vaccination schedules, parents and guardians contribute to maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment for their children.
The St. Mary’s County Health Department encourages all eligible children in St. Mary’s County to take advantage of these free back-to-school vaccination clinics. By prioritizing the health and well-being of their children, parents, and guardians can help prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases within the community and ensure a smooth transition back to school.
Vaccinations are a vital aspect of public health, as they protect individuals and contribute to the community’s overall well-being. By immunizing children against diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, meningitis, HPV, and chickenpox, the St. Mary’s County Health Department aims to create a safer environment for students, teachers, and staff.
The availability of vaccines at school-based health centers makes it convenient for parents and guardians to access these essential healthcare services. By bringing the child’s immunization record and any relevant school forms, parents can ensure that their child’s vaccination history is up to date and meets the requirements set by educational institutions. This proactive approach protects individual children and helps maintain herd immunity, preventing the spread of diseases within the school community.
Maryland’s MyIR immunization record portal provides more convenience for parents and guardians. By offering online access to official vaccination records, this resource saves time and effort in locating and presenting physical copies. Parents can easily access the portal to view and print their child’s vaccination records, ensuring accurate documentation and facilitating a streamlined vaccination process.
Furthermore, the presence of a Spanish-speaking interpreter at the clinics highlights the St. Mary’s County Health Department’s commitment to inclusivity and ensuring equal access to healthcare services for all community members. Language barriers should not hinder individuals from receiving vital vaccinations, and the interpreter will be available to assist Spanish-speaking community members throughout the clinics.
To schedule an appointment for the free back-to-school vaccination clinics, individuals can visit smchd.org/immunizations or call 301-475-4330. The clinics will be held at the Spring Ridge Middle School-Based Health Center and the Margaret Brent Middle School-Based Health Center on various dates and times throughout July, August, and September. This diverse range of clinic dates aims to accommodate the schedules of busy parents and guardians, ensuring that every child can receive the necessary vaccinations before the academic year begins.
As a trusted resource for public health information, the St. Mary’s County Health Department encourages residents to visit smchd.org/immunizations or contact the SMCHD Health Clinic at 301-475-4330 for more information about vaccination recommendations based on age and other important details.
By prioritizing vaccination and participating in these free clinics, parents and guardians are actively contributing to the well-being of their children and the community as a whole. The St. Mary’s County Health Department’s commitment to providing accessible healthcare services and promoting immunization demonstrates their dedication to ensuring a healthy and safe educational environment for all St. Mary’s County students.
