Berrien County Health Department offering walk-in childhood immunizations

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. - The Berrien County Health Department (BCHD) announced walk-in clinics this summer so families can get required back-to-school immunizations and screenings for their children ahead of schedule, without making an appointment.

BCHD states the vaccination clinics will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19 and June 26 at its Benton Harbor office at 2149 E. Napier Ave.

They also will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16 and July 30 at its Niles office at 1205 N. Front St.

“It’s never too early for parents and caregivers to plan for the next school year and get their kids vaccinated against preventable diseases,” said Karen Kortebein, public health nurse and school health coordinator at BCHD. “Staying up to date on immunizations helps keep children and their classmates safe and healthy throughout the school year. We are pleased to provide these walk-in clinics to make it as easy as possible for community members to protect themselves and others.” 

Health officials say preschoolers, kindergarteners, and seventh graders need updated immunizations before the new school year.

Kindergarteners are also required to have dental, vision and hearing screenings and for convenience BCHD will have a registered dental hygienist at the June 26 and July 16 walk-in clinics providing free dental screenings.

BCHD also offers school-required immunizations by appointment every Monday and Tuesday at its Benton Harbor office and every Wednesday and Thursday in its Niles office during regular business hours.

Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday. You can call (269) 926-7121 to make an appointment.

Michigan requires the following vaccines for school entry:

• Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis
• Haemophilus influenzae type B
• Hepatitis B
• Measles, mumps and rubella
• Meningitis
• Pneumococcal
• Polio
• Varicella (chickenpox)

BCHD officials encourage parents and caregivers to contact their primary care provider or the health department to discuss vaccinations for their dependents.

A list of vaccinations available through the BCHD can be found here.