Local health dept. holds fair for back-to-school vaccines

JACKSON, Tenn. — Students enrolled in the Jackson-Madison County School System return to school in less than two weeks. The Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department vaccinated kids Wednesday so they will be ready for class.

“Immunization is good,” Angela Howell, a parent, said. “Keeps kids from getting sick.”

Howell vaccinates her children. Her son got his shots Wednesday at an immunization fair hosted by the health department. “My little one loved it,” Howell said. “She liked watching her brother get shots.”

The health department offers a variety of vaccines including everything from measles, mumps and rubella to tetanus.

Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department Community Health Program Director Quill Brabham said a lot of eradicated illnesses are starting to resurface. “Everyone needs to make sure their immunizations are current,” he said.

The health department hosted another immunization fair in May. Brabham said they vaccinated about 80 people during that event.

Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed seven cases of measles in Shelby County, something Brabham said could have been prevented. “The cases in Shelby County is just a prime example of what happens or the possible consequences when people aren’t properly immunized,” Brabham said.

Howell said she wants to keep her kids healthy. “So they don’t have to go to the doctor hardly ever,” she said.

If you missed out Wednesday, the health department said you can still call and schedule an appointment to get vaccinated.

For a list of the Jackson-Madison County School System’s required immunizations, visit the JMCSS website.