Health department sends vaccine notices to parents, highlights vaping concern and community baby shower

Melissa Osler, representing the Clinton County Health Department, told commissioners on Aug. 5 that the department had sent letters to parents of students flagged by schools as missing state-required immunizations ahead of the new school year. “This is obviously back to school time, so we did issue letters to any of the student parents that have been noted by the school to be, in need of the state required vaccines,” Osler said. Osler outlined ongoing collaboration with the county’s interim Emergency Management Agency director on preparedness and said the department is preparing for the PEF grant expected in September, exploring how to use funds without creating a new permanent position. She also raised concern about youth vaping in local schools and recommended school staff and parents review a county education trailer that demonstrates the variety of devices. “There are lots of ways that our kids are being targeted,” Osler said. Osler announced a community baby shower scheduled for Sept. 4 and said program coordinators already had more than 75 expecting parents signed up. The board took no additional action; Osler said the health department would continue coordinating with other offices on grant planning and outreach.