More than 30% of Howard County K-12 students are behind on routine shots that protect them from serious illnesses
Free event will help families get back on track
After the pandemic hit, nearly all doctor’s appointments to keep people healthy were canceled, including shots for kids. According to the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH), 30.1% of Howard County K-12 students have not gotten all required shots.
The problem is more concerning among Howard County 12th graders, who are 39.3% behind and will age out of programs that track vaccinations once they reach age 18.
To help families catch up and get children “back on track” with their shots, MDwise, the Howard County Health Department and IDOH are hosting Back on Track, on July 26 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Carver Community Center,1030 N. Purdum St., Kokomo.
All routine childhood vaccinations including measles, mumps, rubella, polio and HPV will be available, as well as, for those 5 and older, COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
“It’s important that as many Hoosier kids as possible get vaccinated against preventable diseases like measles, polio and HPV,” said Jessica Cromer, president and CEO of MDwise. “We’re hosting ‘Back on Track’ to help ensure Indiana communities and families are healthy.”
The event is open to everyone and will include free lunch, a bounce house, free school supplies and door prizes of $50 gift cards from MDwise.
Parents and caregivers should sign up by calling 765-456-2408 option 1. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Anyone who needs transportation to get to the event should call MDwise at 800-356-1204.
Children younger than 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult with valid identification, such as a driver’s license, identification card or passport. Insurance is not required for qualified children to get their shots, but if they are covered by health insurance, that information must be given.
WHAT: Back on Track kids’ shots event
WHEN: Tuesday, July 26, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
WHERE: Carver Community Center, 1030 N. Purdum St., Kokomo, IN 46901
WHO: MDwise, Howard County Health Department, Indiana Department of Health
REGISTER: 765-456-2408 option 1
