Did you know that immunization programs are considered one of the most important public health achievements in the world?

Together, with clean water and improved access to health care, immunizations have contributed to most countries’ life expectancy. According to data from the World Health Organization, vaccination campaigns prevent 4-5 million deaths annually worldwide.

The Barry County Health Department offers all required vaccinations for school on a walk-in basis, Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

In Missouri, kindergartners need DTaP, Polio, MMR and Varicella vaccines; eighth-grade students need Tdap and the first Meningococcal vaccine; and seniors need the second Meningococcal vaccine.

For teens 16 and older, we have a combination vaccination that protects against five different bacterial strains of meningitis (A,C,W,Y, and B). These are the most common strains that can be fatal, according to CDC (Centers for Disease Control).

If your student is up to date on their vaccinations, we can offer combination vaccines.

Back to School will be here before you know it, so beat the rush and come in for your vaccinations today.

You can do your part in keeping our community healthy by vaccinating yourself, and your children against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Publisher’s note: This article is courtesy of Barry County Health Department, located at 90 Barry County Drive in Cassville. The Department may be reached at 417-847-2114.