PONCA CITY, Okla. – Children in Kay County will be going back to school soon and the Kay County Health Department is encouraging parents and guardians to make immunization appointments for their children as soon as possible to ensure they are ready for the first day of school.“We want the parents to avoid the back-to-school rush since the health department can be very busy as we approach the first day of school,” said Coordinating Nurse Amy Wehunt.Wehunt said immunizations are one of the best ways to protect the health of your child against vaccine-preventable diseases.“Staying up-to-date with childhood immunizations is the best defense against diseases such as whooping cough and measles. We encourage families to immunize their children now while there is little wait time at the health department,” said Wehunt.Parents or legal guardians must accompany all children under 18 years of age, bring a valid ID, and insurance, if applicable. Children through the age of 18 years old are eligible to receive vaccines at no charge through the Vaccine for Children program if any of the following apply: they are Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, Native American Indian or their insurance policy does not cover vaccines.
