Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH) encourages parents to make sure their children are up-to-date on immunizations for school entry in the fall. North Dakota state law requires students in grades kindergarten through 12 to meet a minimum number of required immunizations before entering school.
According to Leslie Rohrich, FCPH Immunization Coordinator, “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, families have done what we asked: they stayed home and did their part to help slow the spread of COVID-19. An unfortunate side effect is that children have missed check-ups and recommended childhood vaccinations.”
FCPH suggests parents review vaccine schedules from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for recommended vaccines for specific age groups. According to CDC, on-time vaccination throughout childhood is essential because it helps provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. As protection from childhood vaccines wears off, adolescents need vaccines that will extend protection. Adolescents need protection from additional infections as well, before the risk of exposure increases.
To assist parents in ensuring child and adolescent immunizations are up to date, FCPH will hold walk-in immunization clinics once each month for these age groups throughout the summer. Clinics will be held at Fargo Cass Public Health, 1240 25th Street South, Fargo, from 1 to 6 p.m. on the following dates:
• Thursday, June 17
• Thursday, July 15
• Thursday, August 12
Immunizations are also available by appointment during regular FCPH clinic hours. Appointments can be made by calling 701.241.1383.
Prior to attending an immunization clinic, parents are encouraged to contact their insurance company to verify coverage for immunizations provided by FCPH. If coverage will be provided, insurance cards should be brought to the immunization walk-in clinic or appointment. No one will be turned away for not having insurance.
For more information on school immunization requirements, visit www.health.nd.gov/immunize.