By: Ashmar Mandou

In case you didn’t know, August is National Immunization Awareness Month and the Chicago Department of Public Health and the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition would like to remind parents to beat the back-to-school rush and schedule visits with their pediatrician.

“It’s important for parents to be informed of the tools at our disposal to keep children of all ages healthy,” said Lisa Kritz, associate director, Illinois Maternal Child Health Coalition. “Beat the back-to-school rush, schedule doctor visits now and ask your primary healthcare provider what vaccinations are recommended for all members of your family.”

The Chicago Department of Public Health and the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition encourage parents to schedule a doctor’s visit well in advance of the first day of school. Vaccinations are available to protect youth against 16 serious and potentially life threatening diseases, and many are required before students can begin classes. The state’s vaccination requirements are available at http://www.idph.state.il.us/about/pgci.htm.

“We know there’s an overload of information regarding which vaccinations to give your child and we know there are parents out there who are hesitant to immunize their child,” said Sheila Sanders, campaign to Save Our Mothers and Babies, Chicago Area Immunization Campaign, Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition. “We just would like to tell them to get all the facts and get all their questions answered, whether it is through their physician or credible sites, we just ask that parents stay informed.”

For more details on where vaccinations are available, follow up with your healthcare provider, visit your local retail pharmacy or stop by a public health clinic. The City of Chicago provides vaccinations for children zero to 18 years of age at no cost at their Fast-Track clinics located throughout the city.

Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Fast Track immunization clinics provide vaccinations at no charge for children 0 through 18 years of age. They also provide flu vaccinations at no charge for adults of all ages and all children over age six months. No appointment is necessary; vaccinations are given on a first come, first served basis.

Greater Lawn WIC
4150 W. 55th Street
Phone: 312-747-5416
Hours of Operation: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays: 8:30am to 3:30pm
Closed 2nd Wednesday every month 12 to 4pm.

Roseland Community WIC
11255 S. Michigan
Phone: (773) 785-1173
Hours of Operation:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays: 8 am – 3:30 pm
Closed 2nd Wed every month 12 to 4 pm

Uptown Neighborhood Health Center
845 W. Wilson Ave., Lower Level
Phone: (312) 742-3227
Hours of Operation:
Mondays & Fridays: 8 am – 3:30pm
Thursdays: 10:30 a.m.– 5:30 p.m.

Lower West WIC
1643 W. Cermak
Phone: (312) 747-1650
Hours of Operation:
Thursdays & Fridays: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Englewood Neighborhood Health Center
641 W. 63rd St., Lower Level
Phone: (312) 745-1000
Hours of Operation:
Thursdays: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm