Make sure kids are up-to-date on their vaccinations

Parents whose children are behind in their vaccinations can now make the necessary appointments.

“We anticipate higher numbers of children needing school shots this summer due to the COVID restrictions and remote learning experienced last fall,” Will County Health Department’s Family Health Services Immunizations Director Lisa Carlson said in a news release. “We strongly encourage everyone to schedule their appointments for school shots now to avoid the rush.”

The health department has vaccination clinics at its Joliet, Bolingbrook and Monee branches. Immunizations also are available for patients of the Will County Community Health Center, where walk-ins are welcome.

For appointments, call the WCCHC at 815-727-8670 or visit willcountyhealth.org/chc. For information, visit willcountyhealth.org/immunizations. Remember to bring a face mask.

“Masks are still required for service,” Carlson said in the release. “When you arrive for your appointment, please enter through the main entrance, have your temperature screened at the front door, and then come to immunization registration.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a recent report that “health care providers should assess the vaccination status of all pediatric patients, including adolescents, and contact those who are behind schedule to ensure that all children and adolescents are fully vaccinated.”

The CDC has an online chart listing the recommended vaccines for each age group at cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/visit/vaccination-during-COVID-19.html.