With the return to fully in person school this September, be sure your kids are ready! Now is the time to make sure your children’s vaccinations (shots) are up-to-date. Having all school-required vaccines protects your child from harmful infections while protecting your family, their classmates, and the community. It is important to contact your child’s health care provider to make sure your child has received all the needed immunizations for this school year.

Childhood vaccines protect against many serious and life-threatening diseases that once were commonplace. These diseases are now rare in the United States thanks to vaccines; however, outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as whooping cough, measles, or mumps can still happen in communities with low vaccination rates. Please remember that New York State government passed a law to no longer allow non-medical exemptions (including religious exemptions) from vaccine requirements. Medical exemptions are still allowed.

Don’t wait—schedule an appointment today!
The Onondaga County Health Department encourages you to check with your health care provider to make sure your school-age children are up-to-date on all required vaccines for school attendance. Schedule your appointment TODAY for any needed immunizations.

No insurance?
The Onondaga County Health Department Immunization Clinic is open again each Wednesday from 9 am to 3 pm beginning June 16. The clinic is located in the Civic Center, 421 Montgomery Street, Syracuse in basement level room 30. Appointments are now required by calling (315) 435-2000 at least 24 hours in advance, and the number of appointments will be limited. All vaccines needed for school are offered, and a sliding fee scale is available.

In our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health and wellbeing of our clients and staff members, Onondaga County Immunization Clinic will implement the following requirements:

• Everyone over age 2 must wear a face covering upon entering the Civic Center and will be required to keep it on until they leave the Civic Center.
• Arrive at your scheduled appointment time.
• Only children getting a vaccine are allowed in clinic, and only one adult may accompany them.
• Individuals will have their temperature taken and be pre-screened for risk factors.
• Chairs in the waiting room will be placed 6 feet apart.
• To limit traffic in the waiting area, there will be a separate entrance and exit.
• All staff will wear masks at all times while in the clinic setting.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please call (315) 435-2000 to cancel and reschedule your appointment for a later date: dry cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, congestion or runny nose, fever, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

 For more information, visit our website or call us at (315) 435-2000.