This year, it became Montana law that school children receive the chickenpox vaccination.

As of Oct. 1,  students attending public schools in Montana were required to be vaccinated against chickenpox -- and receive a booster of pertussis (whopping cough) vaccine at seventh grade. This has obviously lead to more appointments at clinics around the state.

Supply of varicella vaccine has been limited and therefore many students had not met the Oct. 1 vaccination requirements. This has obviously lead to more appointments at clinics around the state.

In order to keep up with demand and help families meet state law requirements, Riverstone Health Immunization Clinic, at 123 South 27th Street, has announced expanded hours.

Thursday, October 81:00 – 4:30 PM
Friday, October 91:00 – 4:30 PM
Monday, October 121:00 – 4:30 PM
Tuesday, October 131:00 – 4:30 PM
Wednesday, October 1411:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday, October 158:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday, October 168:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to be vaccinated, according to a news release from RiverStone Health. In addition, insurance cards must be presented for RiverStone Health to bill insurance providers.

The Vaccines for Children Program is available for qualified students through 18 years of age. To qualify, students must meet one of the following criteria: be eligible for Medicaid; be uninsured or underinsured (private health insurance caps or does not cover vaccinations); or be an American Indian or Alaska Native.

As of October 1, 2015, students attending public schools in Montana were required to be vaccinated against chickenpox and receive a booster of pertussis (whopping cough) vaccine at seventh grade. Supply of varicella vaccine has been limited and therefore many students had not met the October 1st vaccination requirements.

For more information, call the RiverStone Health Immunization Clinic at 406.247.3382.

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