Joplin Health Department providing back-to-school immunizations

With the 2026-27 school year beginning in less than a week, the City of Joplin is reminding parents and guardians that children in need of vaccines can get those at the Joplin Health Department.

Medical personnel with the Health Department will be part of the upcoming Joplin Schools Open House set for Thursday, Aug. 20, at Joplin High School. Health department nurses will provide vaccinations to middle school and high school students.

Scheduling an appointment for your child to receive a vaccine at the Joplin Schools Open House is preferred, but walk-ins will also be accepted. Appointments can be scheduled by calling the Health Department at 417-623-6122.

Vaccines for school-aged children include:

• Students entering kindergarten: DTAP (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), polio, varicella, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)

• Students entering 9th grade: TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), meningococcal

• Students entering 12th grade: meningococcal

The Joplin Health Department also provides vaccinations to children by appointment at their location at 321 E. 4th Street, Joplin. There is a $13 administration fee for vaccines given at the Health Department.

In addition to helping students prepare for the school year through vaccinations, the Health Department is also encouraging parents and guardians to download the Docket app, an application that provides access to the state registry for immunizations for Missouri called Show Me Vax. If your child received their vaccinations through a VFC (Vaccines for Children) provider, their shot records should appear in Show Me Vax.

Misty Hammer, medical division coordinator at the Joplin Health Department, said even with classes beginning soon, parents are encouraged to get their children on the schedule. 

“If their kids are behind schedule and need to get caught up with vaccines, that’s even more of a reason to see us at the Health Department,” said Hammer. 

For more information or to make an appointment, contact the Joplin Health Department at 417-623-6122.