BLOOMINGTON, IL — As families prepare for the upcoming school year, McLean County Health Department (MCHD) is making it easier for students to get caught up on required school immunizations by offering three special back-to-school walk-in vaccine clinics during the month of August.
In addition to regularly scheduled immunization appointments, MCHD will offer the following walk-in clinics with no appointment necessary:
- Monday, August 10 | 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, August 11 | 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
MCHD provides vaccines to all residents regardless of income or insurance status. The department accepts most private and public health insurance plans and can assist eligible families in receiving low-cost or no-cost vaccines through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. MCHD is located at 200 W. Front Street in downtown Bloomington with ample free parking (2-4 hours) available nearby.
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"As back-to-school deadlines approach, we want to make getting required vaccines as convenient as possible for families," said Jamie Anderson, Nurse Supervisor at MCHD. "Whether parents have been meaning to schedule an appointment or have recently learned their child is missing a needed vaccine, these walk-in clinics provide another opportunity to get students ready for the school year."
Illinois requires certain immunizations for daycare and K-12 school attendance, although individual school districts may have different compliance deadlines. Parents are encouraged to verify requirements with their child's school and avoid waiting until the last minute, especially for younger children who may require multiple vaccines spaced over time. Some colleges and university also require certain vaccines before new students can attend class.
Today's parents are also navigating an overwhelming amount of conflicting information about vaccines. MCHD encourages families to discuss questions with trusted healthcare professionals who rely on evidence-based scientific research.
"Vaccines remain one of the safest and most effective ways to protect children from serious diseases. When high vaccination rates are maintained, they also help protect classmates, teachers, and vulnerable members of our community who cannot be vaccinated because of certain medical conditions. This community protection, often referred to as herd immunity, helps reduce the spread of disease and makes schools safer for everyone," said Casie Smith, MCHD Community Health Services Division Director.
"McLean County schools continue to maintain strong vaccination coverage for all required K-12 school vaccinations, including the MMR vaccine. In the most recent school year, MMR vaccination coverage in county schools exceeded the 95% coverage threshold required to maximize community protection against measles outbreaks. Maintaining these high vaccination rates is especially important as measles cases have increased nationally in recent years," added Kristina Caput, MCHD Epidemiologist.
