Press release from Super Shot:
Families That Visit Super Shot Clinics in July Will Beat August Rush
Unprecedented Back-to-School Shots To Create Record Crowds
(July 1, 2010) – The 2010 back-to-school season will be unlike any other for immunizations. The school requirements for six birth cohorts is unprecedented, covering 36,000 children in Allen County with three shots each.
New school entry requirements for students in 6th through 12th grades will be the
following:
- Tdap (diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus)
- Varicella (2 doses if you have not had chickenpox)
- Meningococcal (meningitis).
This is the first time so many new shot requirements will impact such a large number of students. Since many doctors no longer administer required vaccinations, Super Shot’s role in the community to accommodate this need is vital. The organization is anticipating large crowds, especially if parents wait until August to get their children vaccinated. Additional staff, space and security are being added at all locations.
Super Shot encourages families to get their teens’ shots now to speed up the entire process and avoid having to return to clinics due to wait times. With some students starting classes mid-August, the sooner families have this done the better. In the past, July has been a slower month for the organization, and lines will likely be shorter than waiting until the last minute.
Families must have a complete shot record to receive back-to-school shots for each child. Super Shot forms can now be downloaded from our website to fast track your service.
It is important to note that when clinics reach capacity during operating hours, families may be turned away that day. So, it will be critical that parents arrive early and prepared to expedite the process.
For 18 years, Super Shot-a non-profit, non-governmental program-had been fully sustained by individual and community partner donors, allowing the vaccinations to be provided free of charge. As of May 25, 2010, however, the organization began implementing a modest charge for its shots—$8 per immunization. Medicare recipients should bring their card with them to the clinic. Regardless, no one will be turned away for inability to pay.
Super Shot operates an independent reduced cost immunization program that serves children in Allen and surrounding counties with family friendly hours and convenient locations. Last year, 12,243 children received more than 41,000 immunizations through this program. Have questions about Super Shot locations? Call 424-7468 or view the Super Shot clinic schedules at https://www.phpni.com/supershot.aspx.