http://www.westhawaiitoday.com/daily/2003/Jul-09-Wed-2003/news/news3.html

Reduced-cost vaccinations available

By KAREN IWAMOTO/ West Hawaii Today
 

The Salvation Army's Kona Community Clinic will provide vaccinations and physical examinations at reduced costs to 200 West Hawaii school children, thanks to a $4,922 grant from the Hawaii Community Foundation.

State law requires children entering Hawaii schools for the first time undergo a physical examination and receive vaccinations against chicken pox, hepatitis B, measles and mumps, among others.

Cindy Eschleman, the clinic's administrator, was quick to point out the clinic has been providing the service for years. The grant money, she said, will allow the clinic to reach more children.

Immunization and physical examinations that otherwise would cost about $100 per child can be done for as little as $10 and in some cases for free at the Salvation Army's clinic, Eschleman said, adding the clinic determines how much a family pays based on the federal government's poverty income level.

Since the beginning of this year the clinic has administered more than a 100 vaccinations to children, she said.

She said about 11,000 low - income families on the Big Island may qualify for the service.

The Salvation Army's Kona Community Clinic has provided comprehensive medical services for three years. Before that, it operated on a volunteer basis, mostly administering vaccinations to children, Eschleman said.

To make an vaccination appointment with the clinic call 326 - 5629.

The Department of Health's Public Health Nursing office in Kealakekua also offers free vaccination and physical examinations 9 - 11 a.m. Mondays. Low - income families that meet certain qualifications are eligible for vaccinations.

The DOH also has community clinics in Waimea, North Kohala and Naalehu. Those clinics offer vaccinations once a month.

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Contacts:

Public Health Nursing office 322 - 1500

State Department of Health:

www.state.hi.us/doh/

Hawaii Immunization program:

http://vaxhawaii.com

kiwamoto@westhawaiitoday.com