Montgomery County offering free vaccines for back-to-school

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. ( DC News Now ) — The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services will be holding free child vaccination clinics in preparation for the upcoming school year from July through September.

The department said the clinics will be for school-aged children (pre-K through high school) who lack required school vaccines. Montgomery County Public Schools’ (MCPS) first day back to school is set for Aug. 26.

Parents must be present and bring an ID and immunization record (if available).

Appointments , although not required, are preferred.

Participating clinics (call to find out dates and times):

• Dennis Avenue Health Center – 240-777-1050
• Germantown Health Center – 240-777-3380
• Silver Spring Health Center – 240-777-3160
• School Health Services Immunization Center – 240-740-4430

Vaccinations offered:

• Tdap — Students in seventh through 12th grade who have not received a Tdap vaccine between ages 11 and 12 are eligible. The vaccine is valid if received at 10 years of age.
• Meningococcal (MCV4) — Students in seventh through 12th grade if they have not received an MCV4 vaccine between ages 11-12, second dose at age 16-18 years.
• Meningococcal B — At 16-18 years of age, followed by a second dose one month later.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) — Beginning at 9 years of age.
• Varicella (chickenpox) — First dose on or after first birthday, then a second dose at 4-6 years of age. Note: two (2) doses of varicella vaccine are required for students entering Kindergarten through 10th grade and for previously unvaccinated students 13 years and older. Medical diagnosis of varicella disease is acceptable in place of vaccination.
• Flu (injectable) — Any child six months of age and older (available beginning sometime in late August or early September 2024)
• COVID-19 — The new updated 2023-2034 formula – beginning at six months of age.

For more information on immunization requirements for the upcoming school year, visit the Maryland Department of Health website.

For information on vaccines and immunizations, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

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