Jackson County Health Department reminds parents that vaccinations are an important part of getting children ready to return to the classroom. School vaccination requirements are enforced to protect your child from diseases like meningitis, pertussis, chicken pox, polio, and measles. Also, it is important to remember that students who are not vaccinated and do not have proof of immunity will be excluded from school if there is a disease outbreak.

Don’t wait until the first day of school to find out if your child complies with the health requirements for this school year. Now is the time to check your child’s shot record and make sure they meet school vaccination requirements. The immunization requirements for the 2024-2025 school year remain the same as last year.

The requirements can be found at www.dph.illinois.gov Jackson County Health Department is a Vaccines for Children (VFC) provider, which means low cost shots are available for qualifying children. The health department also accepts many insurance plans, including Medicaid Managed Care Organizations.

Immunization services are provided by appointment Monday-Friday from 8:30am – 3:30pm, with additional hours on Tuesdays until 5:30pm. Please bring your child’s shot record and insurance information with you. COVID-19 vaccinations are also available for children 12 and up. For more information about immunizations, services, or your child’s immunization requirements, visit the Jackson County Health Department website at www.jchdonline.org or call 618/684-3143, ext. 150.