For the third year in a row, the Indiana State Department of Health has recognized the Kosciusko County Health Department for having a child immunization rate of 90 percent or greater.

The recognition this year is for 1997 figures. The goal each year is to have at least 90 percent of all 2-year-olds in the county immunized. Kosciusko County's average in 1997 was approximately 95 percent. Indiana's average rate is approximately 70 percent, said county nurse Debbie Frank.

"The goal is to help prevent diseases," said Frank.

By the time a child is 2, they need to have four DPT (diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus) shots, three or four HIB shots, three polio shots and one MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) shot.

The free immunization clinic of the county health department, 1000 MedPark Drive, Suite B, Warsaw, has a schedule for children to follow. By following the schedule, a child can get all their shots in four trips. Frank said on the schedule, children get their shots at two months, four months, six months and 12-14 months.

If a child gets behind in their shots, Frank said, the clinic sends out reminders. Those who move out of the county become inactive on the clinic's list but can be reactivated if they move back.

Hours of the free immunization clinic are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., but closed for lunch from 12 to 1:15 p.m. On the first Monday of every month, the clinic has evening hours from 6 to 8 p.m.

An outside clinic is held on the second Thursday of every month at Lakeland Youth Center, Syracuse, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Two clinics also are held for the Amish community.

Since state and federal monies pay for the vaccines, they are free to whoever visits the clinic. Adults also can get free tetanus shots or a second MMR if needed.

Frank is the full-time nurse and Helga Curts is the part-time nurse. Secretary at the clinic is Amber Gelbaugh. [[In-content Ad]]