Saturday Vaccination Clinic scheduled

Vaccination Clinic at the Hood River County Health Department this Saturday, February 21st, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Oregon, like the rest of the nation, is facing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases in children, particularly measles and pertussis (whooping cough), due to declining vaccination rates.

The vaccination clinic provides a valuable opportunity for families and individuals to receive vaccinations, especially ahead of School Exclusion Day on February 25th. Established in 1982, School Exclusion Day, is Oregon’s legal deadline for parents to submit updated immunization records or valid exemptions for their children. By law, children in public and private schools, preschools, childcare facilities, and Head Start programs must provide proof of their routine vaccinations or a medical or non-medical exemption.

The Hood River County Health Department is located at 1109 June Street in Hood River.

In late January, the Hood River County Health Department mailed school exclusion letters to families. The Health Department can access vaccination records through Oregon’s ALERT IIS database. While this system does not show vaccines done out of state, families can bring proof of vaccinations to have them added to the Oregon record.

“At the Vaccination Clinic, we will be offering our complete catalog of vaccines for both children and adults, so it’s a great time for all family members to get vaccinated,” relayed Daron Ryan, the public health project manager. COVID-19 and flu vaccines will also be available, however there is no mandate for school-age children to receive vaccinations for these viruses.

The health department is here to help you with the following:

• Find out which vaccines your child need
• Get answers to your questions
• Receive vaccinations without an appointment

Families can also visit the Health Department from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1109 June Street, Hood River. Please call ‭541-386-1115‬ with questions.‬ ‬‬‬

The Health Department accepts many health insurances, including the Oregon Health Plan. You can call your insurance to check if vaccinations are covered, and at what locations.

Vaccines are one of the greatest achievements in public health.

Vaccines are one of the greatest achievements in public health. They help prevent the spread of illness, reduce hospitalizations, and save lives. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) endorses vaccination guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The recommendations from these trusted organizations are reflected in Oregon's Model Immunization Protocols.