With the start of the school year less than a month away, it’s time to make sure your child is up to date on necessary immunizations.

City and county health departments and many school districts are providing clinics to give families opportunities to get the immunizations that help keep children safe and are required by law.

The American Academy of Pediatrics explains here why childhood vaccines are safe, effective and save lives. State statutes in Missouri and nationwide require certain vaccinations to help keep all children safe as the new school year begins.

Contact your family’s pediatrician to get up to date on vaccines, or you can also take advantage of several clinics throughout the Kansas City area, including some set up by local school districts. Vaccinations are typically covered by medical insurance, or provided for free or for small fees at most clinics for families that are uninsured or under-insured.

Have your child’s immunization record handy when setting up an appointment. If you don’t have an immunization record or have lost it, let staff know when you call to make an appointment at any of the clinics below to get help recovering immunization records.

Kansas City Health Department

The health department’s clinic at 2400 Troost Ave. in Kansas City accepts walk-ins, but urges families to make an appointment by calling 816-513-6108. Click here to learn more.

Jackson County Health Department

The county’s health clinic at 313 Liberty St. in Independence requires that families schedule an appointment. Go online here to make an appointment, or call 816-404-6415. Learn more here.

Clay County Public Health Center

Clay County families can make an appointment for the public health center at 800 Haines Drive in Liberty. Call 816-595-4355 to make an appointment or click here to learn more.

Statewide search engine

Missouri has created an interactive map to help locate vaccine providers near you on the state’s Vaccines for Children Program web site. Click here.