Community preps for back to school

(SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan.) — A lot of paperwork goes into getting kids ready to go back to school.

"Theres a number of shots that are needed for school entry and some for daycare," says J'vonnah Maryman.

On Saturday, the Sedgwick County Health Department helped parents check another item off their list.

"We're just trying to ease the burden for those who are uninsured." They did so by administering free vaccinations for one day only.

With new vaccine requirements for the chicken pox, the county is extending their offer, giving free chicken pox vaccinations everyday.

"If you don't have documentation by a physician that your child had chicken pox then they will need to get the varicella vaccination."

Students entering Kindergarten or first grade will need two doses of the varicella vaccination.

Children two to ten years old will need one dose.

Nurses say lines at the clinic will stay long well into August.

Maryman says free and discounted shots are something most families can't afford to pass up.

"For some families two dollars is too much especially when your having to pay for your child to enroll in school as well as school supplies."

Across town, that is where wayne dean comes in.

Southwest Inter-Faith Ministries and other organizations are reaching out to the community to ease the cost of going back to school.

Families who attend receive a ten dollar voucher toward school supplies.

And parents can learn about job opportunities and benefits they may qualify to earn.
    
"People don't always know what to do with the information once they have it," says Wayne Dean.

Whether school supplies or shots, the community wants to see students get a head start for the school year.