Free vaccines available for children, college students

In an effort to increase the vaccination rate of adolescents and young adults, the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center will partner with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to provide certain immunizations at no charge.

The following vaccines will be available for children ages 11 through 18 years and to college students ages 19 through 26 years:

* Tdap: A vaccine the state requires for all students entering the eighth grade, Tdap is recommended for young adolescents who have not had a tetanus vaccine in the past five years. It prevents tetanus, which is painful muscle tightening and stiffness; diphtheria, which causes a thick coating in the back of the throat that can cause breathing problems; and pertussis, known as whooping cough.

* Meningococcal: A vaccine to help prevent the meningitis disease, it is a college requirement in many states. Meningitis comes on suddenly and initially appears as the flu; many survivors lose their arms and legs from this disease, which is fatal if not diagnosed and treated early.

The free clinics will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 8 and from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 13 at the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Department, 1121 Linden St. in Cape Girardeau.

Parents should bring a child's immunization record and Medicaid card if they have one.

Additional information is available by calling the health center, 335-7846.