KNOXVILLE, Tennessee – With the public school break for the summer, health officials say now is the perfect time for parents to make sure their children get the annual checkup and are up to date. their vaccines.

The Knox County Health Department and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital come together to remind everyone of the importance of caring for the health and well-being of children.

There are many resources in the area to ensure this happens.

The director of the Department of Health, Dra. Martha Buchanan said on Thursday in a statement that vaccines have been shown to prevent infections and diseases.

“While many may have delayed care because of their concerns about the pandemic, medical offices are safe places to visit,” his statement says.

Recently, national health authorities have authorized children 12 years of age or older to obtain a Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19. The greater the number of people receiving the shot, the better the chances of stopping the spread of the virus.

Summer vacations are a good time to catch up on vaccines, according to the hospital and KCHD.

Until they are vaccinated, children are vulnerable to various dangerous diseases, such as measles and whooping cough, according to Dr. Lori Patterson, director of infection control at Children’s Hospital.

You can get photos for your children from your pediatrician or from local pharmacies.

The Department of Health is also a resource.

Request an appointment for your child at KCHD headquarters at 140 Dameron Ave.

Appointments are open there from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays by calling 865-215-5070.

You can also make an appointment at the department’s Western Clinic at 1028 Cedar Old Cedar Bluff. Appointments are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday and Thursday by calling 865-215-5950.

Adults are also reminded that they can get a free COVID-19 vaccine through the Department of Health. You can learn more about it here.

In addition, according to the KCHD, all students entering preschool, kindergarten, or seventh grade and those entering a Tennessee school for the first time in the fall should provide their child’s school with a state immunization certificate. , which accredits the receipt of vaccines. Certificates must be converted into schools on the first school day in August. Both vaccines and certificates are available at pediatric offices or at the main KCHD location