Summer is in full swing, vacations and family reunions are in progress, and school is more than likely the last thing on the minds of children of all ages. However, back-to-school is just around the corner. The Brownwood/Brown County Health Department would like to remind the residents of our area that with July drawing to a close, school will be starting back very soon. Parents need to check on their children’s vaccine records and make sure they have all the required vaccines to go back to school.

The Brownwood/Brown County Health Department will be having a back-to-school immunization clinic on August 5, 6, and 7 with extended hours to benefit parents who have to work. BBCHD will be open on those days from 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Parents need to bring their child’s immunization record to the clinic.

For children who are uninsured or underinsured, and qualify for the Texas Vaccines for Children program, the cost of all their immunizations is $15.00. For children on Medicaid, there is no charge for the vaccines. Children with insurance that covers vaccines must be vaccinated with privately purchased vaccine. The costs of these vaccines are listed below:

Dtap (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis)–$45

Polio                                                    –$40

MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)    –$60

Varicella (chicken pox)                          –$95

Hepatitis A                                           –$45

Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)–$45

MCV4 (meningococcal)                        –$100

The health department does not file insurance, but the necessary information will be provided to the parent in order for them to file for reimbursement from their insurance company.  Any questions about vaccine availability and pricing can be addressed to the Brownwood/Brown County Health Department at 325-646-0554.