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SCARSDALE, N.Y. – As Westchester parents prepare to get their children ready to go back to school in the fall, some are going to need to do more than purchase pencils and backpacks.
The Westchester County Health Department is advising parents and guardians that they must schedule an appointment with their healthcare providers to get the necessary state immunizations if they hope to start school on time.
According to a county release, recent cases of whooping cough in school-aged children in Westchester and New York City have made the need for up-to-date vaccinations more critical. International and national outbreaks of measles have also raised a red flag.
The county will be offering free immunization – by appointment only – during “back to school immunization clinics.” Appointments will be made on a first come, first serve basis from Tuesday, Aug. 7 through Tuesday, Sept. 25.
Aside from the school-required vaccinations, the health department will also offer vaccines against meningitis and HPV for the first time.
During the clinics, there will be officials on hand to help parents sign children up for health insurance. There will also be information about local medical practices for families without a personal physician.
To schedule an appointment, contact the Westchester County Department of Health. For appointments at the Yonkers District office, call (914) 231-2500. For vaccinations at the White Plains District office, call (914) 995-5800.
For further information about immunizations and vaccine-preventable diseases, call the Westchester County Department of Health Immunization Action Program at 813-5000 or go to the county website.
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