CEDARVILLE, Ohio — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services just made it easier for families to get vaccinations. The announcement comes as kids begin the new school year giving local pharmacies a chance to step up to the plate and take some of the load off of doctor’s offices.

 

What You Need To Know

  • Kids under the age of seven can get vaccinations at pharmacies

  • Pharmacists believe it takes the pressure off of entering a doctors office with COVID still around

  • Getting vaccinated now will help to prevent outbreaks and the spread of viruses


The department just started allowing licensed pharmacists like Franz to give any vaccination recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to kids under the age of 7. It's something that wasn’t allowed before.

With this new authorization, it gives places like the Cedar Care Village Pharmacy the opportunity to support families, and it means a whole lot for many parents simply because this is the only pharmacy that's in town, and because many just aren't up to going into doctors offices because of COVID-19 concerns.

It's for immunizations that don’t require a doctor’s appointment or the need to enter a doctor’s office.

“Anybody can walk in the pharmacy, several of them that are 24 hour pharmacies and get the attention of a health care professional and be able to provide services like immunizations,” said Dr. Thad Franz of Cedar Care Village Pharmacy in Cedarville.

Finishing up he checks in with the Bennett family, mom Emily brought in all three kids, ages 4, 6, and 7, to get flu shots.

“I think it’s super important to get ‘em all vaccinated. I would love to keep them going to school as long as possible," said Bennett. 

Checking to make sure he has the right amount of the vaccine, the Bennett kids take a seat. One by one, Franz moves through them quickly. For good measure, he finishes with a Band-aid and an elbow bump before moving on to the next one. 

Now that kids are back at school, while still in a pandemic, Franz stresses the importance of vaccines to prevent breakouts and the spread of viruses. 

“Immunizations are a great way to produce antibodies that are gonna help you to protect against infections and viruses. It's not just a protection for yourself but it's a protection for others.”

While he’s not sure when they’ll get a round of the COVID-19 vaccine, they’re continuing the regular rounds of other vaccinations while preparing to help the community for what’s to come. 

“It can be a big help to this pandemic and in lessening the effect of the virus. And so, we just want to be prepared," Franz said.

For now, Franz says he’s focused on helping to educate the community about vaccinations with the hope that many will take the necessary precautions to keep themselves and others safe.