Clinics offer free or low-cost vaccinations during Preteen Vaccine Week, January 18-24

Vancouver, WA—Many parents believe that they won’t need to worry about vaccines after their children enter kindergarten. But immunity received from childhood vaccines can wear off, putting adolescents at risk for serious diseases, such as whooping cough, chickenpox and others.

“Protecting the health of our community’s youth is a top public health priority,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer. . “It’s important that 11- and 12-year-olds see their healthcare providers and get immunized against diseases that can easily spread and lead to potentially serious health consequences and missing school.”

Recognizing the importance of preteen vaccinations, the Clark County Board of Heath has declared January 18-24, 2009 as Preteen Vaccine Week in Clark County.

Parents of preteens are urged to schedule a doctor’s visit to ensure that immunizations are up to date. The federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices now recommends that 11- and 12-year-olds receive a meningococcal vaccination, a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough) booster, a second chickenpox vaccination (if they have never had chickenpox or have had only one dose of the vaccine), a flu vaccination, and the HPV vaccine series (for girls).

For preteens who lack health insurance, or are only partially insured, parents should ask a healthcare provider about free or low-cost vaccines.

The following clinics are offering free or low-cost vaccinations during Preteen Vaccine Week. Please call clinics for hours, costs and other details. Parents should bring previous immunization records at the time of the visit.

Free Clinic of Southwest Washington
4100 Plomondon St.
Vancouver, WA 98663
360-313-1390

Lacamas Medical Group
3240 NE Third Ave.
Camas, WA 98607
360-838-2440

SeaMar Clinic at Center for Community Health
1601 E Fourth Plain Blvd.
Third Floor, Suite 307
360-852-9070

SeaMar
7410 E Delaware
Vancouver, WA 98664
360-566-4402

Vancouver Clinic - Salmon Creek
2525 NE 139th St., Ste. 130
Vancouver, WA 98686
360-397-3820

Vancouver Clinic - Columbia Tech Center
501 SE 172nd Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98684
360-397-3600

Vancouver Clinic - 87th Ave
700 NE 87th Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98664
360-397-3250

For more information, visit the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/spec-grps/preteens-adol.htm.