MUSCATINE, Iowa–Though area schools will not start up again until later this month, families have a lot to do to get ready. While people may not think of it right away, keeping kids up to date with school required vaccinations and health screenings represents an important part of getting ready to go back to school. Aug. 9 from noon to 7 p.m., Trinity Muscatine Public Health will hold a back to school health clinic for all area children at their facility at 1609 Cedar Street in Muscatine.

Throughout the afternoon, families may bring their students of any age to receive valuable health screenings. These include dental screenings and treatments, which can include fluoride and sealant applications, when beneficial. Children can also get vision screenings, provided by doctors from Vision Center P. C. Children under age five can receive developmental screenings to make sure they have met important milestones and receive referrals to local providers who can help with any concerns raised. Anyone aged six months or older can also get a free COVID-19 vaccination.

In addition to these screenings, public health will have numerous resources on hand for families to take advantage of. Families who do not have a primary care physician for their kids can get connected with providers who can give children annual physicals, which count as sports physicals as well. Most insurance providers cover annual physicals at no cost, making them an invaluable and affordable way for families to take care of their children’s health needs.

For families without health insurance, public health can help them find plans suitable for them. Muscatine Community School District’s school navigators and United Way of Muscatine will also have representatives on hand, familiarizing families with the services they offer and how they can take advantage of them to address a wide variety of needs. Public health will also have information about keeping children safe from lead poisoning on hand as well.

Currently, Trinity Muscatine Public Health offers free vaccines through the Iowa Department of Public Health’s Vaccines for Children Program. This program specifically provides vaccines for children without insurance, have Medicaid, have insurance that does not cover vaccines, or who come from the native American or Alaskan native ethnic groups. To make sure children receiving vaccines meet one of these requirements, public health requests all families wanting to have their children vaccinated during the clinic call 563-263-0122 ahead of time to make an appointment.

Along with all of these screenings and services, Trinity Muscatine Public Health will have fun and educational opportunities available for kids too. These will include a game where kids fish for fruits and vegetables, a healthy handwashing simulation, spin art, a prize drawing, and even door prizes too.

As families start compiling their back to school to do lists, Trinity Muscatine Public Health looks to make taking care of vaccinations and screenings easier items to cross off. “I think it’s important for parents to be aware of all the services public health has and how they can be a resource and a go to,” said Holly Barrett, clinical manager for Trinity Muscatine Public Health.