Does your kid have the vaccines they need to go back to school? KC holds free clinic

Joseph Hernandez
·2 min read

If you haven’t gotten your kids their school-mandated vaccines before the first day, the Kansas City Health Department is hosting a free vaccine clinic this weekend.

Take your kids to the health department building at 2400 Troost Ave. on Saturday, where they can receive their vaccines from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Along with vaccinations, the health department has fun activities planned for children to participate in, including face painting and a mascot to cheer and greet children.

Along with those activities, Ruby Jean’s Juicery will be onsite for children who receive their vaccines, and there will also be an ice cream truck outside for parents to purchase treats for their kids.

“Vaccinations are so important to keep kids protected from viruses and diseases,” Dr. Marvia Jones, Kansas City director of health, said in a statement. “This year, along with vaccinations and Band-Aids, we also want to make sure families have a little fun when they walk through our doors.”

WHAT VACCINATIONS DO CHILDREN NEED FOR SCHOOL?

Kindergartners need five vaccinations before they enter school in Missouri:

  • Measles, mumps, and rubella

  • Varicella

  • Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis

  • Polio

  • Hepatitis B

Students going into eighth grade need three booster immunizations:

  • Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis booster

  • Meningococcal

  • The HPV vaccine is recommended

High schoolers ages 16 and up need:

  • Meningococcal booster

  • A Meningococcal B shot is also recommended

The COVID-19 vaccine is not a state requirement in Missouri or Kansas. Doctors do recommend that kids get the COVID-19 vaccine like they recommend kids to receive influenza or HPV vaccines to protect students.

WHAT ELSE IS THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT DOING?

The health department will also be providing free lead testing for children and hosting a limited amount of sports physicals for 11-18 year-olds who are planning on playing a sport this school year.

If you have more questions about school vaccine requirements in Missouri and Kansas, check out this guide.