CURRENT EVENTS

    Check here for the latest information from your Health Department, whether it's last-minute closings, special clinics or classes being offered, health issues in our county, et cetera.

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Due to the volume of information, information about COVID-19 can be found on several individually named pages immediately following the Home page.

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CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION

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If you're looking for the latest information on the Novel Coronavirus, you can go to www.cdc.gov/nCoV. 

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BACK-TO-SCHOOL IMMUNIZATIONS

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As a new school year begins parents and guardians need to ensure children are up-to-date on their immunizations.

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Missouri law requires that children in kindergarten through 12th grade receive immunizations to protect against certain vaccine-preventable diseases. This helps protect everyone: children, teachers, staff and the community as a whole.

"Proper immunization can prevent serious health issues that could affect your child and others," said Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services, Dr. Randall Williams. "With the recent outbreaks of mumps and measles, being completely immunized is as important as ever. Don't wait. Talk to your physician or local health department about your child's immunizations today."

Children attending kindergarten through 7th grade are required to be up-to-date on:

• DTaP - Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis

• Polio

• Hepatitis B

• MMR - Measles, mumps and rubella; and

• Varicella - Chickenpox

 

Children entering 8th grade are required to have two additional immunizations to protect their health:

• Tdap - Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (booster); and

• Meningococcal

 

A booster dose of Meningococcal is also required for children entering 12th grade.

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Vaccines help protect children against serious illness caused by diseases like measles and whooping cough, while continuously undergoing testing to ensure safety.

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 Parents can contact Howard County Public Health Department at 660-248-3100 to schedule an appointment on Mondays or Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30p.m

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Spread the Word, Not the Flu!

          

Flu season in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May. An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to reduce your risk of getting sick with seasonal flu and spreading it to others.

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The CDC has reported that 6 to 7 million people have come down so far with the flu this 2018-2019 season, and between 69,000 and 84,000 have already been hospitalized due to the illness. The CDC “expects flu activity to continue for weeks and continues to recommend flu vaccination and appropriate use of antiviral medications.”

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A limited amount of free flu vaccine is available for any adults 19 years of age and older who are uninsured or underinsured.

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If you have questions or want more information, please contact the HCPHD at 660-248-3100.

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           FLU SHOTS AT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT

 

         The Howard County Health Department will be giving flu vaccine for adults and

       children 6 months and older on Mondays and Wednesdays at the health

       department from 8:30 am to 12:00 noon and 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm.  You may call

       for an appointment or walk-ins will be welcome. 

 

       Please bring your Medicaid, Medicare and your Medicare supplemental insurance cards to the clinic. Cost for the regular dose vaccine is $25.00 for non-Medicare and private pay clients. If you're over 65 without insurance, the cost is $60.00 for the high dose vaccine.