Westchester Reporter

With only a week remaining until the start of the school year, the Westchester County Department of Health is offering free vaccines for children. This year, an additional day has been added each week at its clinic in Yonkers to accommodate more appointments. To schedule an appointment, call 914-995-5800.

Vaccinations are available for students eligible for the state’s Vaccines for Children program. The clinic operates from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, emphasized the importance of timely vaccinations: “Now is the right time for all parents to schedule vaccine visits for their children. If your child is eligible for Child Health Plus, Medicaid or has no insurance, we can help. You also can call your child’s healthcare provider. Making sure that your child is vaccinated against childhood diseases is one of the best ways parents can help their children learn because vaccines help keep children healthy and in school.”

Children attending daycare and pre-K through 12th grade in New York State must receive all required doses of vaccines on the recommended schedule to attend or remain in school. Visit School Immunization Requirements to learn what vaccines your child needs.

Health Navigators with the County Health Department are available to assist families and individuals in signing up for necessary health insurance and identifying locations for ongoing primary care if they lack a regular doctor. For more information, call (914) 995-6350.

The public is also encouraged to subscribe to the weekly My Westchester e-mail newsletter, which highlights selected events from the current week.