ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
Back-to-school time is rapidly approaching, and one item that should be on every student’s checklist is their back-to-school immunizations.
The immunizations are currently being offered at the Seward County Health Department (SCHD), and Registered Nurse Lesha Morlen said now is a good time to get those immunizations taken care of.
“It's a good time to come into our walk-in clinic, which runs until Thursday, and there's no appointment necessary. That way, they can get everything done before school starts next month and aren't trying to rush to make an appointment,” Morlen said. “Sometimes, we can be booked out about a month, so it's a good idea to come in the clinic while everything's more open. Those coming to the clinic must bring their immunization record, a birth certificate, insurance card, and a referral if necessary. It's really important to get it all done before school starts because if the children are behind, I believe they'll only have a week or so after school starts before they're not allowed back in class until they're caught up on their immunizations. Like anything else, it's just a good idea to get this taken care of earlier rather than later.”
Morlen added every year is different when it comes to the back-to-school immunization numbers.
“I honestly don't have any set expectations, because you just never can tell – for example, a couple years ago, we saw a big influx compared to a couple years before that, so again, you just never know,” Morlen said. “I'd like to say we got everyone caught up on their immunizations, but I'm sure there were at least a few stragglers. Overall, every year is just different. We see students from every school, elementary through high school, so all of that is usually pretty evenly spread. The most important shot for the high school students is that meningitis shot and tDap shot. And everything's the same for this year as it has been in the past, there's nothing new that's been added in terms of what immunizations are needed.”
Morlen said this time of year is rather busy for the SCHD staff.
“We typically keep pretty busy this time of year. We do see some of everything, but this is the time of year when we see a lot of back-to-school immunizations,” Morlen said. “And we always stock more during this time of year to make sure we make sure we don't run out of anything. If you're not able to come to the clinic, call and make an appointment as soon as possible. Like I said earlier, we can get pretty booked out in advance, so call as soon as you can if circumstances prevent you from making it to our walk-in events. By the time children start school, they should be caught up on their immunizations. By age 4, that's their last scheduled immunization until they turn 11, so they should be caught up by the time they officially start school. However, if they're not sure, parents can always bring their children's shot books in and we can check all of that for them.”
Morlen added the SCHD staff definitely advertises the offering of the immunizations in multiple ways, and she hopes to see many people in the clinic in the coming weeks.
“We give flyers to Michelle Hay, who's the USD 480 head nurse, and then she shares it on the USD 480 Web site. There are also flyers handed out at enrollment, and we also advertise through local media and through our social media pages,” Morlen said. “It's a very busy time for us, and it's all about just getting everyone taken care of. It'd be a good idea for families to come into our walk-in event because like I said, we could be booked out and you might not get in when you want, so it's better to go ahead and get in so there's no delay for the children in attending classes.”
Hey MAGA,
I personally think immunizations are one of the greatest achievements made by man. What I don’t understand is why you would want them for your children.
Aren’t you the ones that during COVID who were crying about getting the vaccine?
Have you suddenly become pro vaccine? It’s good to know that you’re beginning to realize that Bill Gates is not trying to track your every move or whatever the conspiracy theory of the day is.
All kidding aside, please get vaccinated.