School-required immunizations available

The new school year’s more than a month away, but not the usual August rush for child immunizations.

Clark County’s public health officials suggest parents schedule their children’s back-to-school protection now.

Required immunizations for kindergarten-through-ninth grade include whooping cough (there’s been an in-state outbreak) and two doses of chickenpox (varicella) vaccine — or formal doctor’s notice the child has already had a case of chickenpox.

Children starting third, fourth or sixth grades must get one dose of chickenpox vaccine (or, again, proof of incidence).

Also recommended: meningococcal vaccine to prevent meningitis, a serious infectious disease, for all children age 11-18; and, for girls under age 19, parents should consider the human papillomavirus vaccine, available at low cost.

The HPV guards against four types of virus, two that can cause cervical cancers and two that cause 90 percent of genital warts. It is not required for school admission.

There are exemptions for medical, religious or other reasons, but immunizations are still highly recommended. Children without them may be sent home when outbreaks occur.

Appointments are now available for free child immunizations through Washington state’s Childhood Vaccine Program. Local health care providers may charge a visit fee but it can be waived for those unable to pay.

Bring the child’s immunization record; if it cannot be found, see if the provider can check the CHILD Profile Immunization Registry, a widely used network.

Here are sites for free or low-cost immunizations for children and teens (and please bring records):

• Free Clinic of Southwest Washington, 360-313-1390. 4100 Plomondon St., Vancouver

Wednesdays, Aug. 4, 11, 18 (sign-up begins at 5 p.m.)

Saturday, Sept. 25: 9 a.m. to noon.

• Sea Mar Community Health Center vaccine clinics, 360-852-9070, Center for Community Health, Building 17, third floor, 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver

Weds., Aug. 11: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (by appointment).

• La Center Elementary School, MS cafeteria, 700 E. Fourth St., La Center

Sat., Aug. 14: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (by appointment).

• Battle Ground High School , 300 W. Main St., Battle Ground

Friday, Aug. 27: 2 to 7 p.m. (by appointment).

• Lacamas Medical Group, 360-838-2440, 3240 N.E. Third Ave., Camas.

Wednesdays, Aug. 18: 4 to 7 p.m.

For more information, contact Clark County Public Health at 360-397-8000.