Back to school: Free immunizations available citywide via bus

Free immunizations are available this week to Chicago children in time to start the school year via the Chicago Department of Public health.

The CDPH/BCBSIL Chicago Care Van is touring the city all week to give a variety of shots required to start the new school year, including a newly-required T-dap vaccine for students entering grades 6-12.

Chicago Care Van immunizations are free for all children from birth through 18 years of age but parents should bring immunization records for each child being served.

CDPH and BCBSIL are also sponsoring citywide clinics at parks, schools and other community-based establishments to provide whooping cough, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, chickenpox and other required vaccines.

“Making sure that children receive their required vaccinations before school starts is one of the most important things parents can do,” Dr. Julie Morita, medical director for the Chicago Department of Public Health Immunization Program, said in a statement. “Healthy students learn better. When our students are healthier, our classrooms, schools and communities will be healthier.”

This web app lets parents track all CDPH back-to-school vaccination events in their area. And up-to-date information is available at www.CityofChicago.org/HEALTH on on Twitter at @ChiPublicHealth.

Monday, August 12 Zakat Foundation, 1759 East 75th Street, Chicago, IL 60649, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tuesday, August 13 10th Police District, 3315 West Ogden Avenue, Chicago, IL 60623, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wednesday, August 14 Avondale/Logandale School, 3212 West George, Chicago, IL 60618, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Thursday, August 15 Allison Infant/Toddler, 440 East 71st Street, Chicago, IL 60619, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday, August 16 Jefferson Park, 4822 North Long, Chicago, IL 60630, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.