Munson Medical Center offers easy, fun way to prepare kids for new school year
Munson Medical Center’s Pediatric Immunization Clinic offers a fun way to ensure area children receive their required vaccinations to start the new school year.
A Back-to-School Immunization Event is planned from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, at the clinic’s 106 S. Madison Ave. location in Traverse City. The event will include face painting, a bounce house, scavenger hunt and more. Young participants will also learn how to wash their hands like a pro.
Appointments are required and children must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Parents and guardians are asked to bring their insurance card and immunization records if possible. The Pediatric Immunization Clinic accepts most insurances and Medicaid. Cash payments are not accepted. No child will be turned away.
To make an appointment, call 231-935-8125.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services notes that vaccines protect children from 14 serious diseases. In 2014, immunization law in Michigan changed to require that parents and guardians who choose to opt children out of school vaccination requirements need to receive education from the county health department on the benefits of vaccination and risks of disease prior to obtaining a certified non-medical immunization waiver.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported that there were 9,377 fewer immunization waivers for children in school and childcare in 2015 compared to 2014 and a decrease in the overall immunization waiver rate from 4.8 percent to 3.1 percent.
For children not able to participate in the Aug. 27 event, the Pediatric Immunization Clinic offers hours on Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Mondays from 5 - 8 p.m.