Immunizations
Immunizations for Infants, Children, and Adults
Immunizations are available at clinics scheduled once monthly by appointment at the health department. Call ahead for the current clinic schedule and vaccine availability.
Call (573) 767-5312
Available Vaccines
Vaccines Listed in Reviewed Content
Annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone age six months and older.
Vaccines for Children
Free Vaccines for Qualifying Children
The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and provides free vaccines to children who qualify before their 19th birthday.
- Medicaid-eligible
- Uninsured
- American Indian or Alaska Native
- Underinsured
Underinsured means a child has health insurance, but the plan does not provide vaccine coverage, does not cover certain vaccines, or has a fixed dollar limit or cap for vaccines.
Underinsured does not include children with an unmet deductible or families who are unable to pay the deductible. VFC vaccines are free, though providers may charge a small office visit or administration fee.
The health department does not bill insurance providers.
Adult Vaccines
Missouri Section 317 Program
The Missouri Section 317 Program provides free or low-cost vaccines to uninsured and underinsured adults ages 19 and older to prevent disease, funded by the CDC.
Adult vaccines listed in the reviewed content include Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and High Dose Influenza. Vaccines are subject to limited funding and availability.
- Eligibility: must be age 19 or older and uninsured or underinsured.
- Cost: vaccines are free, but providers may charge a minimal administration fee.
- Availability: vaccines are subject to limited funding and availability.
Records and Exemptions
School Records, Docket, and Exemptions
Immunization Records
Missouri residents can use the Docket app to securely access, download, and share official personal and family immunization records through the state immunization registry. The app allows users to view vaccination histories, check for missed shots, and generate records for school or travel.
Visit DocketExemptions
In Missouri, vaccine exemptions for school or child care require specific religious or medical forms and must be submitted to the school or child care provider. Unimmunized children are subject to exclusion when vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks occur.
Lewis County Health Department strongly encourages parents to immunize their children. Vaccines are safe, effective, and the best protection against dangerous and sometimes deadly diseases.
Claiming a religious exemption indicates a parent or guardian's sincere belief that the family's religious preference does not support immunizing against vaccine-preventable diseases. A medical exemption requires signed certification by a licensed physician or designate.
Family and Child Care Support
Additional Community Programs
Child Care Health Consultation
The Child Care Health Consultation program is a collaborative effort between the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Office of Childhood and local public health agencies. It promotes health, safety, and overall well-being in child care and early education settings.
The program offers health and safety consultations, clock-hour training opportunities, and health promotion activities for children, providers, and families.
Safe Cribs for Missouri
Safe Cribs for Missouri provides portable cribs and safe sleep education to low-income families who have no other resources for obtaining a crib. The program supports families and helps reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths.
- 34 weeks gestation and up to six months postpartum.
- Medicaid eligible, WIC eligible, or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
- Missouri resident.
- Does not own a full size or portable crib and has no other resources for obtaining one.
- Agrees to participate in two short safe sleep education sessions.
Call Lewis County Health Department to apply.
Car Seat Program
Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians inspect seats for proper installation, expiration dates, and recalls. Lewis County Health Department participates in the MoDOT car seat program, with limited inventory for eligible low-income families.
Educational programs teach caregivers about rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster seat use, typically recommending children ride in the back seat until age 13.
CPR Certification
Lewis County Health Department provides professional certification courses in First Aid, CPR, and AED use. Contact the office to reserve a seat and confirm whether you need Heartsaver or Basic Life Support certification.
Standard public community sessions typically cost around $50, though pricing varies by track or materials. Licensed foster family parents should call for pricing.
| Certification | Intended Audience | Core Curriculum Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Heartsaver | Teachers, daycare providers, coaches, lifeguards, and safety managers. | Basic adult and pediatric CPR, AED operations, choking relief, and environmental/medical emergency management. |
| Basic Life Support (BLS) | Doctors, nurses, paramedics, EMTs, and healthcare students. | Multi-rescuer team dynamics, bag-mask ventilation, advanced airway management, and high-performance cardiovascular life support. |
Mandatory registration is required because class sizes are strictly capped to maintain an appropriate student-to-instructor ratio. Successful completion of the practical skills evaluation and exams awards an official credential valid for two years.
Communicable Disease
Reporting and Disease Control
Lewis County Health Department provides investigation and necessary treatment following the diagnosis of an infectious disease. During normal working hours, reportable diseases and conditions should be reported promptly to the department at (573) 767-5312.
Medications prescribed by a physician are provided at no charge for persons with tuberculosis or venereal disease. The department uses surveillance and investigation to help identify, prevent, and control the spread of reportable communicable diseases.
When a reportable disease presents an emergency that requires immediate public health action, the Missouri Department of Health duty officer can be reached after hours, weekends, or holidays at (573) 751-4674.
Listing of reportable diseasesImmunization FAQ
Call for Clinic Scheduling
Contact the office for immunization appointments, vaccine availability, records, CCHC, Safe Cribs, car seat checks, or CPR class registration.