General Information

Because of the State of Missouri fiscal crisis, families with health insurance coverage are encouraged to obtain needed vaccinations from their private health care provider. It is possible that the State of Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services may not be able to provide adequate supplies of vaccine to health departments during some months of the year. Please note, because private physicians are particularly busy in the month before school starts, make an appointment early. The immunization program is offered in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Health. The State provides the childhood vaccines, which are purchased, in part, with federal funds. Families that have health insurance coverage for immunizations are encouraged to get them at their physician's office; however, the vaccines received from the Missouri Department of Health are available to anyone who meets the eligibility guidelines for a particular vaccine. The Health Department does not set a charge for the immunization but accepts a donation to help cover the cost of administration.

Vaccine, the material used for immunizations, is administered to induce long time protection against infectious diseases. Vaccines contain weakened live or killed microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, etc.), or fractions thereof, that stimulate the body to develop antibodies against that specific microorganism. When the body develops its own antibodies it is called (active immunity). If it is known that a person has been exposed to an infectious disease, the disease can sometimes be prevented by the use of an antibiotic or by passive immunity achieved by giving antibodies contained in Immune Globulin. Passive immunity is only effective for a limited time.

Please call 636-949-7400 for information on which vaccines are offered.