PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson Healthcare has started a drive-up immunization station to assist families with children in receiving back-to-school immunizations.
The station is at the Sheridan Clinic at 915 Sheridan St. and is available by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays by calling 360-379-8031.
Appointments
Since the program began within the last two weeks, hospital Communications Director Amy Yaley said that appointment availability is “very good if you need to get your child in before the start of the school year.”
Parents can call their child’s primary care provider or visit the Washington State Immunization: MyIR at wa.myir.net to determine what vaccinations are needed, Yaley said.
Common vaccines for children include MMR, DTaP (Diptheria, Tetanus and Pertussis) and Influenza, Yaley said.
In-clinic immunizations are still available.
“Immunization can always be done during an office visit, but the drive-up option helps to minimize unnecessary trips into an office, alleviate the stress of juggling more than one child at a traditional visit and just plain makes it easy to keep up to date with needed immunizations,” Yaley said.
Availability
Some adult vaccinations are available as well, such as the vaccines for measles, Hepatitis B and pneumococcal.
But adult vaccine cost coverage varies by individual insurance plan.
“Protecting all members of our community through vaccination is an important initiative,” Yaley said. “By vaccinating children on time, we build a community of immunity around vulnerable populations like babies and seniors.
“The immunization clinic staff can confirm the necessary vaccinations for patients of Jefferson Healthcare.”
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Jefferson County reporter Zach Jablonski can be reached by email at zjablonski@peninsuladailynews.com or by phone at 360-385-2335, ext. 5.
