Knox County Health Department - Immunizations

Sanctuary Community Action hosts monthly immunization clinics in collaboration with the Knox County Health Department to ensure that families in Eastern Knox County have convenient access to essential vaccines for all ages. 

When: 2nd Thursday of each month

Who Can Receive Vaccines:

• Infants and toddlers
• School-aged children
• Adults of all ages
   

Cost:

• Most major insurance plans accepted
• $15 fee per visit for those without insurance (payable to Knox County Health Department) 
• Appointments Required:
  Please call The Sanctuary at 740-599-7224 to schedule.

Immunizations—also called vaccines—are one of the most important tools we have to prevent illness and protect our communities. Vaccines work by helping your body build natural defenses against serious diseases like measles, polio, whooping cough, flu, and more.

These diseases can spread quickly and can be especially dangerous for babies, pregnant women, older adults, or anyone with a weakened immune system. Getting vaccinated not only protects you, but it also helps protect others around you—especially those who cannot receive vaccines themselves.

For children, immunizations are essential for healthy development and are required by Ohio law for school attendance. For adults, staying up to date on vaccines can prevent serious illness as you age, especially with seasonal illnesses like influenza or long-term conditions like shingles or pneumonia.

In rural areas like ours, where hospitals and clinics may be farther away, prevention is the best protection. Vaccines are a safe, proven way to stay healthy, reduce medical visits, and avoid unexpected health costs.

• Series of vaccines including DTaP, Polio, Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, Hib, and Pneumococcal
• Helps build early protection against severe childhood diseases

• Booster shots for DTaP, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Polio, and Chickenpox
• These are required before starting school in Ohio

• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
• Meningitis vaccines (required before 7th and 12th grades)
• HPV vaccine (recommended for cancer prevention)

• Tdap booster every 10 years
• Shingles vaccine at age 50+
• Pneumonia vaccine at age 65+
• Annual flu shot
• COVID-19 boosters (as recommended by public health)

• Flu shot and Tdap are recommended during pregnancy to help protect both mother and baby

• If you missed any childhood vaccines, it's not too late to catch up.
• Talk to your doctor or local health clinic about what vaccines you may need.
• Bring your immunization record to every appointment if available.