Immunizations
**Immunizations will be given to anyone regardless of ability to pay.**
Children's Shots
You protect your child in many ways. You dress her warmly before she goes outside in cold weather. You hold his hand to cross a busy street. You place her in a car seat. One of the best ways to protect your child is with immunizations. Immunizations are more commonly referred to as "shots".
Immunizations protect your child from many illnesses. But to get the most protection, your child should receive immunizations early and at the right times. Some diseases can cause permanent physical and mental harm to children. A child may be at most risk of contracting these illnesses before 2 years of age.
Immunizations can prevent these diseases. Check your child's immunization records to make sure each child's shots are up to date. If your child doesn't have an immunization record, one can be obtained from your doctor, clinic, the Health Department, or the Illinois Department of Public Health Immunization Program.
If your child doesn't have the recommended shots, call your doctor or the Health Department and make an appointment. Be sure to take your child's immunization record with you to these appointments, this record will be important when its time for your child to go to day care or school.
An immunization schedule is recommended for infants and children. This schedule shows all the immunizations that a child should receive beginning at birth. You can view this schedule at http://www.cdc.gov/nip/recs/child-schedule.htm#printable.
Adult Shots
Children are not the only ones who need protection from diseases. Too often, adults fall prey to illnesses that could have been prevented with proper vaccinations. The following shots are available for adults from the Douglas County Health Department:
- Flu shots - During flu season the Health Department runs clinics offering this shot at a discounted price. Clinics typically start in October of each year. Call for specific dates and locations. We are a Medicare provider for this immunization.
- Tetanus shots - Available with a physician's prescription.
- Pneumonia shots - This shot is available all year round. During flu season the Health Department runs clinics offering this shot at a discounted price. Clinics typically start in October of each year. Call for specific dates and locations. We are a Medicare provider for this immunization.
- Hepatitis B & A.