KC Health Department immunization drive offers healthy start to school

Start the School Year right with an Immunization Back-to-School Bash.

As the school year approaches make sure your children are not only ready but healthy to head back to school. The City of Kansas City’s Health Department is hosting several events to make getting immunizations done easy and fun.

This year’s Back to School Bash will be on August 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kansas City Health Department located at 2400 Troost Avenue.

In addition to vaccinations, visitors can enjoy:

• Face painting

• School supply distribution

• Popsicles

• Sports Physicals for kids 11 to 18 years old. Physicals are on a first come first served basis.

• Lead testing for children

A limited number of sports physicals will also be offered to youth ages 11 to 18 on a first come first served basis. These physicals are offered through a partnership with medical school residents from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Please bring the following items when receiving immunizations: Picture ID, Insurance or medical cards, vaccination records, school letters, and written consent if you are not the parent or guardian.

Extended hours are being offered every Tuesday and Wednesday through Wednesday, August 30, 2023, for appointments or check ins by 6:15 p.m.

Childhood immunizations are free for those who qualify under the Federal Vaccine for Children program, or the Kansas City Health Department has a third-party service that will bill most insurance plans. Non-Kansas City residents can attend the event for a fee of $10 for the first child seen and $5 for each additional child in the same family. For those who don’t qualify for either option, KCHD offers a service where residents can pay for vaccinations.

If you cannot attend this year’s Back to School Bash, there will also be a clinic August 12, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mohart Center, 3200 Wayne Ave.