State adds new vaccinations

The State of Montana in January added two required vaccines — Pneumococcal (Prevnar13) and Hepatitis B — for children enrolled in licensed childcare facilities, according to a news release from Lincoln County Public Health.

The addition will take effect June 1. Non-compliant children must be vaccinated by then.

The newly required vaccines join immunizations for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (Dtap); measles, mumps, rubella and Varicella (MMRV) and their respective boosters; Haemophilus Influenza B (HIB); and polio, the news release states.

According to Administrative Rule of Montana 37.95.140, every child enrolled in a licensed childcare facility is required to have certain immunizations — due, the news release states, to young children’s susceptibility to disease.

Lincoln County Public Health offers all required and recommended child vaccines in Libby and Eureka and accepts private insurance, Medicaid, CHIPS and uninsured children, who are vaccinated for free, the news release states. The department can also look up records and provides free vaccination consultations.

For more information or to schedule a vaccination, call 406-283-2447.