KRHC to offer Tdap vaccine through Kossuth County schools

Kossuth Regional Health Center Community Health will soon be delivering another vaccine to students through the Kossuth County schools.  Students will be able to receive a free Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diptheria and acellular pertussis) at school this spring, provided that they have a signed consent form from their parent or guardian.

“We have been delivering vaccine through the schools since the mid 1990s, and most recently have done so with seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccine,” said Carol Gress of KRHC Community Health.  “Parents tend to appreciate the convenience of having these done at school, and they always have the choice of opting out if students have already received the vaccine or don’t want to be vaccinated.”

The Tdap vaccine will be offered free to children in grades six through twelve in the schools across Kossuth County at school based clinics.  The consent form and vaccine information will be sent home with students and will also be available at www.krhc.com.   KRHC Community Health is asking that parents send the form back to school regardless of whether or not their child will be receiving the vaccine.

“We need an accurate number of how many students will need the vaccine before we place our order, so we’re hoping to get as many forms back as possible.  Also, we will be asking other questions on the form to help us learn what vaccines most children have already received and what other vaccine needs are out there,” Gress said.

This method of vaccine delivery may be utilized in the future for other vaccines requiring payment, if the need and interest exists.

For more information contact KRHC Community Health at 515-295-4430 or 800-603-8433.

March 4, 2010