Jackson County Health Department to host back-to-school bash

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. (KBSI) — The Jackson County Health Department will host a Back-to-School Bash later this month to help families prepare for the upcoming school year.

The event is scheduled for 3 to 6 p.m. July 21 at the health department and will offer back-to-school immunizations, free backpacks and school supplies, car seat safety checks and installations, fluoride treatments for eligible children, giveaways and community resources.

Health officials are encouraging parents to review their children’s immunization records and ensure required vaccinations are completed before classes begin. Students who are not vaccinated and do not have proof of immunity may be excluded from school during a disease outbreak, according to Illinois school health requirements.

The Jackson County Health Department participates in the Vaccines for Children program, which provides low-cost vaccines to eligible children, and accepts many insurance plans, including Medicaid managed care plans.

Families who cannot attend the event may schedule an immunization appointment with the health department. Regular immunization clinic hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, with extended hours until 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.

Backpacks and school supplies will be distributed while supplies last.