Sanford Health sets July 7 back-to-school immunization clinic in Bemidji

Sanford Health will open its children’s department at the Sanford Bemidji 1611 Anne St. Clinic on Tuesday, July 7, for a back-to-school immunization clinic aimed at getting Beltrami County families ready before classes start. The event, branded Safeguard for School, runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will serve children ages 2 to 17.

Children can receive all required immunizations during the clinic, and Sanford is adding games and prizes to keep the visit moving for younger patients. Parents or guardians can schedule an appointment by calling 218-333-4710 or using Sanford My Chart, but walk-ins are also welcome throughout the day.

Families are asked to bring an insurance card if they have one. For children with no insurance, immunizations will be free. If a child is not already a current Sanford Health patient, the family should also bring the child’s immunization record so staff can confirm what shots are still needed.

Minnesota school immunization law requires students in kindergarten through grade 12 to show documentation of required immunizations or an exemption. The rules apply to public, private, online and home schools, and families can still catch up if a child has fallen behind. The Vaccines for Children program can provide free or low-cost vaccines for eligible children 18 and under.

Beltrami County Public Health also offers immunizations for qualifying Minnesota children and adults using state-supplied vaccines, but its vaccinations are walk-in only on Mondays from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, founded in 1898, has more than 6,000 admissions and about 800 births each year.