With summer just getting under way, now is the time to start planning for back to school, including Covid-19 vaccinations. KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

Freeman Health System in Joplin is offering a back-to-school a vaccine clinic. The COVID vaccine drive-thru clinic will offer first dose vaccines from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Tuesday, July 13. Second doses will be given from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Wednesday, August 11. To meet the needs of the community, the clinic days fall before the start date of all the schools in Joplin and the surrounding area. Children 12 years old and older are currently approved to receive both the Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna vaccines.

Parents can go online to freemanhealth.com, click on the top banner and self-schedule a time that best meets their needs. A parent must be present when a juvenile receives the vaccine. The drive-thru vaccination clinic is located at 1221 McIntosh Circle. The same location as the drive-thru COVID-19 testing. Those without access to the internet can call the COVID vaccine information number at 417.502.SHOT for scheduling assistance.