No long waits, no last-minute scrambling—Delta County families now have a simpler way to check off one big item before school starts: immunizations.

School Prep Gets a Boost with Free Shots and Open Doors

As August rolls in and back-to-school shopping begins, Delta County Public Health (DCPH) is reminding families that binders and backpacks aren’t the only things kids need to be ready for the new school year.

On August 1 and August 8, DCPH will host walk-in vaccine clinics at its main office, offering a wide array of immunizations for both children and adults. No appointments needed—just walk through the door, roll up your sleeve, and you’re done.

“We have vaccines for anybody who walks in,” said Leah Rawson, Public Health Nurse Manager. “The only ones we don’t have right now are the flu and COVID shots—it’s still a little early in the season for those.”

What’s Available? Almost Everything You’d Need

If you’re behind on a tetanus booster or you’re unsure about your child’s MMR status, now’s the time to get sorted. The clinics aim to remove barriers—like cost, scheduling issues, or confusion about what’s required—especially for working families juggling a dozen tasks before classes begin.

Here’s a quick list of immunizations available during the clinics:

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)

• Polio

• Varicella (Chickenpox)

• Hepatitis A & B

• HPV

• Meningococcal

• Pneumococcal (for eligible adults)

While the clinics are focused on school-aged kids, adults can take advantage too. “We always encourage adults to check in with us about what they might be missing,” Rawson added.

When and Where

Timing is everything—especially during back-to-school chaos. So the health department made it simple.

Two full-day clinics are scheduled:

• Thursday, August 1 — 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Thursday, August 8 — 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Both will be held at the Delta County Public Health Office, located centrally for easy access. Walk-ins are fully welcomed, but those who prefer structure can book advance appointments on other days.

One parent, waiting in the lobby on a Wednesday, said, “We didn’t even know we were missing a shot until they checked our records. Super helpful.”

Why It Matters — Especially This Year

Vaccination rates in parts of rural Colorado have dipped since the pandemic, which has health officials concerned. According to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, some counties—including Delta—have seen coverage for routine childhood immunizations fall below 80% in certain age brackets.

That’s risky.

Diseases like measles, whooping cough, and mumps don’t need much to spark an outbreak—just one unvaccinated classmate, and suddenly a whole school is on edge.

“We’re trying to avoid that situation,” said Rawson. “This is about prevention. It’s about keeping schools open, kids in class, and everyone safe.”

Frequently Asked Questions (And Some Misconceptions)

Immunization clinics often come with confusion. So here are a few things people should know:

• Do I need insurance?
  No. Most routine vaccines are available at no cost, and DCPH helps navigate any billing issues.

• Is the clinic only for students?
  Nope. Adults can update their immunizations too.

• What about exemptions?
  Colorado allows for medical and non-medical exemptions, but schools require up-to-date paperwork either way.

• Can I just show up?
  Yes! Walk-ins are encouraged.

Rawson says they try to keep wait times short and the atmosphere welcoming. “We don’t want this to be a stressful thing. Just come in, and we’ll take care of you.”

Public Health Without the Hassle

Delta County isn’t the only place hosting back-to-school vaccine events, but its walk-in flexibility is winning praise from working parents.

“I can’t get off work easily, so knowing I could just walk in before dinner—it made a big difference,” said Jamie, a mother of three from Cedaredge.

Others have noted the friendliness of the staff and the convenience of knocking out multiple vaccines in one visit. One dad joked, “It was faster than waiting for my oil change.”