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As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise, it is more important than ever to get a vaccine. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get a vaccine in Kansas.
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Introduction
The new coronavirus, now called SARS-CoV-2, first emerged in China in late 2019 and has since spread throughout the world, causing a global pandemic of respiratory illness, now called COVID-19. In the United States, vaccines are being distributed to healthcare workers and people at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19 first, followed by other groups as more doses become available. If you live in Kansas, there are a few ways to get a vaccine:
1. Check with your local health department. The health department may be holding vaccine clinics or partnering with other organizations to provide vaccines.
2. Check with your healthcare provider. Some providers may be vaccinating their patients who are at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19 or may know of other providers who are vaccinating patients.
3. Check the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s (KDHE) website for information on upcoming vaccine clinics open to the general public.
4. If you are unable to get a vaccine through one of the above methods, you can sign up for the Kansas Vaccine Waiting List through the KDHE website. You will be contacted when vaccines become available in your area.
What You Need to Know
You may be wondering how to get a vaccine in Kansas. The process is actually quite simple. All you need to do is contact your local health department or visit their website. They will be able to provide you with a list of locations where you can get a vaccine.
Types of Vaccines
There are different types of vaccines. Some are given as shots, and some are given as nasal sprays. Each type of vaccine is made to protect against certain diseases.
The two main types of vaccines are:
-Inactivated (“killed”) vaccines. These vaccines contain viruses or bacteria that have been killed with heat or chemicals. They CANNOT cause the disease they are meant to protect against. Examples of inactivated vaccines are the flu shot, the hepatitis A shot, and the polio shot.
-Live, attenuated (“weak”) vaccines. These vaccines contain live viruses or bacteria that have been weakened so that they CANNOT cause the disease they are meant to protect against. Examples of live, attenuated vaccines are the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine and the chickenpox vaccine.
The Kansas Vaccine Schedule
There are different vaccination schedules for different age groups in Kansas. If you’re not sure which schedule applies to you, check with your healthcare provider.
For infants and children up to age 6, the Kansas vaccine schedule includes:
-DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis)
-IPV (polio)
-MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
-Varicella (chickenpox)
-Hepatitis B
-Hib (haemophilus influenzae type b)
-Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13)
For adolescents aged 7-18, the Kansas vaccine schedule includes:
-Tdap or Td (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
-IPV or OPV (polio)
-MMR (measles, mumps rubella)
-Varicella (chickenpox)
-Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4 or MenACWY)
For adults over the age of 18, the Kansas vaccine schedule includes:
-Tdap or Td (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
-IPV or OPV (polio)
-MMR (measles, mumps rubella)
-Varicella zoster virus vaccine
Vaccination is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and your family from disease. Talk to your healthcare provider today about getting vaccinated according to the Kansas schedule.
How to Get a Vaccine in Kansas
In order to get a vaccine in Kansas, you need to be a resident of the state and be 18 years of age or older. You will also need to provide proof of residency and a valid ID. The steps to get a vaccine are as follows:
Where to Get Vaccines
There are many places to get vaccines in Kansas. You can get vaccines at your doctor’s office, clinics, pharmacies, and some colleges and workplaces. You can also get vaccines at some travel clinics and from some health departments.
If you are a Kansas resident, you can search for a vaccine provider near you on the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s (KDHE) website.
If you are not a Kansas resident, you can search for a vaccine provider near you on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) website.
How to Pay for Vaccines
Most health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines. You may want to check with your insurance provider to find out exactly what is covered. If you don’t have health insurance, or if your insurance does not cover vaccines, there are other options available to help pay for them.
The Kansas Vaccines for Children Program provides free vaccines to eligible children. To be eligible, a child must be:
-Under 19 years of age
-Uninsured
-Underinsured (insurance does not cover the cost of vaccines)
-A Native American or Alaskan Native
-A child who receives Medicaid benefits
If you are not sure if your child is eligible, you can contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment at 785-296-1215 or [email protected]
There are also a number of private organizations that help pay for vaccines for children and adults who are unable to afford them. For a list of these organizations, please contact the Immunization Action Coalition at 800- state hotline can put you in touch with your local health department or other resources that may be able to help you pay for vaccines.
Conclusion
As of now, the process for getting a vaccine in Kansas is to first check with your healthcare provider to see if they have any available. If not, you can contact your county health department or the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for more information on where to get a vaccine.
