Free vaccines for children offered
By Jenna Buehler Comet writer-intern

Children two months to five years require a number of vaccine series before entering school, which can cause financial burden for a family. Today, all vaccinations are available without financial qualification.

Vaccines for Children (VFC), a state-funded program provides free immunizations for individuals under 18. Carroll County residents can take advantage of the program at the Carroll County Health Department.

Registered nurses, Brenda Coble and Lesli Britton, emphasized the importance of the department's free immunization service.

"With all the diseases that can be prevented in today's modern world, there is no reason not to get immunized," Britton said. "Today we're able to prevent diseases which could potentially lead to death."

"We serve at least 25 children a week. Patients come in, sign a sheet, answer wellness questions, participate in the process and we're done," Coble said. "Immunizations are important in order to prevent the spread of communicable disease - for their health as well as for everyone around them."

Immunization services are available at 8 a.m. Thursdays and Fridays in the Carroll County Courthouse with a same day appointment. Contact the Carroll County Health Department at (765) 564-3420 for vaccination information.