Westchester County to Give Free Back to School Vaccines in Yonkers and White Plains

The Westchester County Department of Health will book appointments now for its free back-to-school vaccine clinics to assure children have the vaccines they need to attend school this fall.

New this year, the County Health Department will bring vaccines to two Yonkers schools – the Yonkers Montessori Academy and the Enrico Fermi School – where any Yonkers student who is eligible for the state’s Vaccines for Children (VFC) program can receive free immunizations. Appointments are required; for scheduling, call 914-995-5800.

The County Health Department’s nurses will visit the Montessori Academy on Thursday, August 8, where they will provide Tdap, Meningitis and Hepatitis B vaccines. On Friday, September 13, County Health Department nurses will give vaccines at the Enrico Fermi School.

The County Health Department is also expanding its vaccine appointments for all VFC eligible Westchester County students from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as follows:

·         Mondays in the White Plains clinic;

·         Fridays in the Yonkers clinic; and

·         Thursdays, starting August 29, in the Yonkers clinic.

Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, said: “Yonkers schools have done a lot to encourage families to vaccinate their children, so we are pleased to support Yonkers parents by bringing free, convenient vaccines to their schools. Now is the right time for all parents to schedule vaccine visits for their children. If your child is eligible for Child Health Plus, Medicaid or has no insurance, we can help. You can also call your child’s healthcare provider.”

Children attending day care and Pre-K through 12^th grade in New York State must receive all required doses of vaccines on the recommended schedule to attend or remain in school.  Visit School Immunization Requirements to learn what vaccines your child needs.

The Westchester County Health Department Health Navigators can help families and individuals sign up for the health insurance they need. Those without a regular doctor can learn where to go for ongoing primary care. For more information, call (914) 995-6350.