New Hanover County offers back-to-school vaccine clinic for students

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) —  As students head back to school, New Hanover County is helping families make sure their children are up to date on required vaccinations.

The county’s back-to-school vaccine clinic is offering a range of immunizations for children from birth through age 18 who are enrolled in day care or school.

Lisa Urdak, immunization program coordinator said staff members review each child’s vaccination history to determine what immunizations may still be needed.

“We will go through their whole vaccine record and make sure they are up to date on everything that they need,” Urdak said.

The clinic is available through the end of September. Parents are asked to bring their insurance information, but children can receive vaccinations regardless of their insurance status.

Urdak said the goal is to make the process easier for families who may have questions about vaccine requirements.

The clinic comes as President Donald Trump has called for changes to the childhood vaccination schedule, including separating the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.

Urdak said the county clinic continues to follow the current recommended vaccination schedule and has not changed the vaccines it offers.

“As right now, same vaccines that have always been required are what is going to be required in school.”

She said the county will update the public as more information becomes available about vaccination requirements.

“We do believe in vaccines, but I still think its important that parents still have a say over their child’s health,” said local parent Caty Lewis.

Lewis said regardless of any changes at the federal level, parents should maintain autonomy over decisions involving their children’s vaccinations.

Urdak said parents visiting the clinic should bring their child’s vaccination records, especially if they are coming from another state.

“We don’t want to be giving anything outside of the norm, so we really do need that record if you are from another state, but if you are from North Carolina we should have it,” Urdak said.

Urdak also encouraged parents to make sure their children are up to date on vaccinations as the school year begins and students are exposed to a variety of illnesses.

“This is helping their immune system because their immune systems are young and that’s why they get them at these ages to help boost that immune system,” Urdak said.

No appointment is needed to visit the clinic. Families can find additional information, including clinic hours and location, through New Hanover County.