Walk-in vaccine clinic for children available at Berrien County Health Department
BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- The Berrien County Health Department announced they will be offering a walk-in clinic for childhood immunizations at the Benton Harbor office on Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Department officials say parents and guardians can get required back-to-school immunizations for their children without having to make an appointment.
The BCHD offered walk-in clinics throughout the summer but recognized the need for an additional clinic.
Officials say the clinics are intended to increase accessibility for community members and ensure children have proper immunizations for the school year.
“There is still time for parents and caregivers to protect their kids from preventable diseases for the new school year,” said Karen Kortebein, public health nurse and school health coordinator at BCHD. “We’ve created an additional walk-in clinic to make back-to-school vaccines more accessible and convenient for community members. Keeping children up to date on immunizations can help keep them and their classmates healthy throughout the school year.”
Health officials say preschoolers, kindergarteners, and seventh graders need updated immunizations for the school year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccines for various age groups and in Michigan, vaccines required for school entry include:
- Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis
- Haemophilus influenzae type B
- Hepatitis B
- Measles, mumps and rubella
- Meningitis
- Pneumococcal
- Polio
- Varicella (chickenpox)
BCHD’s Benton Harbor office, is located at 2149 E. Napier Ave.
BCHD also offers school-required immunizations by appointment every Monday and Tuesday at the Benton Harbor office and every Wednesday and Thursday at its Niles office at 1205 Front St.
Appointments are still available, and community members can call (269)926-7121 to schedule an appointment.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to contact their child’s primary care provider or the Health Department to discuss vaccinations.
To find a list of vaccinations available through the BCHD and costs, visit the BCHD website.