ADH to offer free vaccinations for students at Batesville clinic on July 30

The Independence County Health Unit of the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) will offer a free back-to-school vaccination clinic on Tuesday, July 30, at 120 Weaver Ave. in Batesville from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We want Independence County students to stay healthy during the school year, and getting vaccinations is the best line of defense,” said Independence County Health Unit Administrator José Balderas. “We encourage parents to bring their children to the community clinic or the local health unit for their immunizations.”

In a release announcing the vaccinations, the ADH said parents should bring their insurance cards to the clinic. If they do not have insurance or the insurance does not cover costs, vaccines will still be available at no charge.

Recommended vaccines provided at local county health units include Tdap, HPV, Hepatitis A and B, MMR, Meningococcal, Polio, Varicella, and pneumococcal conjugate. COVID-19 vaccinations for ages 12 and older will also be available at this clinic.

“This is a great opportunity for parents to get their kids caught up on any routine vaccines that they may be lacking prior to the school year. For many, the diseases that routine childhood vaccines protect against may not be top-of-mind, but those diseases can cause devastating illness and they do still occur,” said ADH Director Dr. Jennifer Dillaha.

According to the ADH release, vaccines are the safest way to protect children from serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses.  The ADH recommends talking to your doctor if you have questions about vaccines for you or your family.

More information about vaccines and a list of required immunizations for daycare, school, and college are available at: Immunizations Arkansas Department of Health.