Immunization Resources for Parents in Nebraska: Accessing Government Programs and Clinics

Ensuring your child receives timely vaccinations is crucial for their health and the well-being of the community. In Nebraska, several government programs and clinics are dedicated to providing accessible immunization services to all residents.

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

The Nebraska DHHS Immunization Program aims to protect residents against infectious diseases by enhancing vaccine availability through partnerships with community providers across the state. (dhhs.ne.gov)

Key Programs:

  • Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program: Offers free vaccines to eligible children up to 18 years old.
  • Vaccines for Adults (VFA) Program: Provides certain vaccines to adults, including Tdap, flu, and COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Birth Dose Hepatitis B Program: Ensures newborns receive the first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine before discharge.

    • Contact Information:

  • Phone: (402) 471-6423 or toll-free at (800) 798-1696
  • Email: dhhs.immunization@nebraska.gov
  • Website: Nebraska DHHS Immunization Program

    • Nebraska State Immunization Information System (NESIIS)

    NESIIS is a secure, statewide, web-based system that maintains computerized immunization records for individuals of all ages. It helps ensure that children receive only the vaccines they need and improves the efficiency of healthcare providers by reducing the time needed to find, assess, and document a patient’s immunization status. (dhhs.ne.gov)

    Accessing Your Immunization Records:

    Residents can securely download their personal or child’s immunization information from NESIIS to their Android or iOS mobile device. This makes sharing immunization records with healthcare providers, schools, or other organizations quick and easy. (dhhs.ne.gov)

    Contact Information:

  • Phone: (402) 471-0133 or toll-free at (888) 433-2510
  • Email: dhhs.nesiis@nebraska.gov
  • Website: NESIIS Information

    • Local Health Departments and Clinics

    Nebraska’s local health departments and clinics play a vital role in providing immunization services. Many offer free or low-cost vaccines to residents, regardless of insurance status. Here are some local resources:

    North Central District Health Department (NCDHD)

    Services Offered:

  • Vaccines for all ages, including Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Meningitis, Zoster, Varicella, Pneumonia, Polio, MMR, HPV, Jynneos, and travel vaccinations.

    • Locations and Hours:

  • Main Office in O’Neill: Every Thursday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
  • Mobile Clinics: Every other month in Ainsworth, Valentine, Niobrara, and Bloomfield.

    • Contact Information:

  • Phone: (402) 336-2406
  • Website: NCDHD Immunizations

    • Southeast District Health Department

    Services Offered:

  • Immunizations for residents in Johnson, Otoe, Pawnee, Nemaha, and Richardson Counties.

    • Location and Hours:

  • Auburn Office: 2511 Schneider Avenue, Auburn. Appointment required.

    • Contact Information:

  • Phone: (402) 274-3993 or toll-free at (877) 777-0424
  • Website: SEDHD Immunizations

    • Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska

    Services Offered:

  • Immunizations for children through the VFC Program and adults through the VFA Program in Buffalo, Dawson, Gosper, Harlan, Kearney, and Phelps Counties.

    • Locations and Hours:

  • Buffalo County: 16 West 11th St., Kearney. 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Dawson County: 931 West 7th St., Lexington. 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Phelps County: 1215 Tibbals St., Holdrege. 4th Thursday of the month from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

    • Contact Information:

  • Phone: (308) 865-1352 ext. #152
  • Website: Immunization Program

    • Additional Resources

  • Immunization Task Force of Nebraska: A non-profit coalition dedicated to educating the public and healthcare providers about immunizations. They offer resources to find local vaccination sites and information on vaccine availability. (immunizenebraska.org)
  • Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program: A federally funded and state-operated vaccine supply program that offers free vaccines to eligible children. For information regarding VFC eligibility or to find a provider, visit the Nebraska DHHS website or call 800-798-1696. (dhhs.ne.gov)

Conclusion

Accessing immunization resources in Nebraska is straightforward, thanks to the collaborative efforts of state programs and local health departments. By utilizing these resources, parents can ensure their children receive the necessary vaccinations to protect their health and contribute to the community’s well-being.

For more information, visit the Nebraska DHHS Immunization Program website or contact your local health department.