BIDDING OUT TRASH SERVICE MAKES CITY LOOK GOOD: NO EXCUSE FOR CHILDREN NOT TO BE IMMUNIZED

Missouri has toughened its stance on childhood immunizations. Now children that are not up-to-date on all shots will be barred from school.

This rigid rule is quite necessary -- and we commend the state for taking the hard line. Previously, the state gave parents a 15-day grace period.

There is really no excuse for children not to be immunized. Failure to do so represents a health threat for the child.

It has led to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases across the state, such as the recent measles outbreak in the St. Louis area.

What's more -- these immunizations are available free of charge to parents. They are paid for by tax dollars, and available at county health departments. Most of these shots should be administered well before these children reach school age.

The new state law also requires that all students -- kindergarten through 12th grade -- be vaccinated against tetanus before entering school, and children six and under are now required to be immunized against whooping cough before starting school.

School immunization and booster shot clinics will be held at the Cape Girardeau County health center, 1121 Linden, on June 15, July 20 and Aug. 10. Call today for an appointment.

The state immunization program has saved lives and dollars. But it won't work unless a parent or guardian takes a child to the health department or doctor to be immunized.