It's time to get your back-to-school immunizations whether you are in early chilhood programs, school aged or ready for college. The Health Department can check your child's immunization record on the state-wide computer system (WEBIZ), and schedule an appointment for your child's vaccinations. Proof of receiving immunizations must be provided to the school prior to attending the first day of school. Check the Kansas immunization website for details at http://www.kdheks.gov/immunize/download/Immunization_Requirements_for_2011_School_Year.pdf.

The VFC program (free vaccine) is available for children under the age of 19 whose immunizations are not covered by their parents' insurance, with only the cost of administration due ($10.00 per shot), including college bound students.

Upcoming Events

August 2010

Aug 4-5:        WIC - Goodland

Aug 11-12      WIC - Colby

Aug 16          Back-To-School Immunization Walk-In Clinic

Aug 18          WIC - Atwood

Aug 19          WIC - Goodland

Aug 25          WIC - Colby

September 2010

Sep 7           WIC - St Francis

Sep 8-9         WIC - Goodland

Sep 15-6       WIC - Colby

Sep 22          WIC - Oakley

Sep 23          WIC - Goodland

Sep 29          WIC - Colby

Flu shots for Fall 2010

Good news!  This year's flu vaccine will protect againt both the seasonal flu and H1N1.  The flu vaccine is recommended for all persons aged 6 months and older, unless they have a history of hepersensitivty to any vaccine component including eggs and egg products or Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

We will be offering the flu shot, Flumist, and for people 65 years of age and older the new Fluzone High-Dose vaccine. While seniors aged 65+ make up only 15% of the population, they account for 90% of the deaths from influenza. Fluzone High-Dose generates up to 80% higher antibody levels than standard vaccine. The Fluzone High-Dose vaccine is covered by Medicare.

The first Flu Clinic is scheduled for October 19, 2010. More details to follow.

Statewide Indoor Smoking Ban

Smoking is the number one most preventable cause of death and disease in the country.  Kansas took a very positive health step recently by passing a statewide indoor smoking ban, effective July 1, 2010 (http://www.kssmokefree.org). If you or a loved one are ready to stop smoking, the Kansas Tobacco Quitline (1.800.QUIT.NOW) is here to help http://www.kdheks.gov/tobacco/cessation.html.  The Quitline, a confidential telephone tobacco cessation program for youth and adults, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Programs