West Salem High student holds back to school immunization clinic - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

WEST SALEM, WI (WXOW)—A West Salem High School Senior is helping children get their back to school shots with the help of the La Crosse County Health Department.

Katie Loomis arranged Tuesday's immunization clinic, during school registration, as her Senior Exit Project.

All West Salem High School Seniors are required to do a community service project before graduation.

"I believe the project West Salem has is a great idea to get the high school graduated to understand what you do with the skills you've learned in school and how to apply them outside of school," Loomis said.

The vaccines were offered at low cost for children of low income families or who's insurance companies didn't fully cover the cost.

"I feel there are a lot of misconceptions about vaccinations and I am interested in the medical field so I thought this would be perfect considering all that's going on in our community."

The La Crosse County Health Department offers the following screenings and immunizations:

Tuberculosis Screening - The Mantoux skin test screens for exposure to tuberculosis are available by appointment on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.  Appointments can be made by calling Public Health Nursing at (608) 785-9723. The fee is $11.00 plus a $15.00 administration fee.

Lead Screening - Lead screening is provided free for all children from 1 to 6 years of age.  The screenings are done at La Crosse County Public Health Nursing.  A finger stick blood sample will be obtained.  Please call (608) 785-9723 for an appointment and further information.

Immunizations - All childhood immunizations are available; including Meningococcal for ages 11-18 and HPV for girls and boys 18 and under.  Adult vaccines for Hepatitis A - $77.00/dose, Hepatitis B - $40.00/dose, MMR - $51.00/dose, Tetanus or Tdap – no charge/dose.  There is an administration fee of $15.00 per visit.

Fluoride Varnish Program - La Crosse County Public Health Nurses can apply fluoride varnish to children's teeth, ages 6 months to 6 years.  It is recommended that children receive this treatment three to four times a year.  Only a small amount of fluoride is used and it's quick, easy and painless!  Each child gets a new toothbrush and toothpaste with each application.  There is no fee for this service.  Please call La Crosse County Public Health Nursing at (608) 785-9723 for an appointment. 

Wisconsin Well Woman Program - La Crosse County Public Health Nursing assists La Crosse County women ages 45 – 64 to receive mammograms and pap smears and women ages 35 – 44 to receive Pap smears at no cost.  These services can be obtained with local providers.  Eligibility is based on income and family size.  Women can have health insurance and still qualify for services.  Call La Crosse County Public Health Nursing at (608) 785-9723 for more information.   

Pregnancy Testing -La Crosse County Public Health Nursing offers pregnancy testing by appointment by calling (608) 785-9723.  The fee is $16.00.

Foot Care Clinics - Persons unable to perform their own foot care can receive care by making an appointment at the following clinics for a fee of $49.00:

• La Crosse County Health Dept., 2^nd Floor, Sept. 6,  7:30-2:45
• La Crosse County Health Dept., 2^nd Floor, Sept. 20, 7:30-11:45

Please call La Crosse County Public Health Nursing at (608) 785-9723 for an appointment or gift certificate. 

Blood Pressure Checks - Blood pressure checks are free at La Crosse County Public Health Nursing at (608) 785-9723 by appointment.

Cholesterol/Diabetes Screening Clinic - La Crosse County Public Health Nursing offers cholesterol screening, 12 hour fast (with breakdown of HDL, LDL and trigylcerides), blood sugar testing, and blood pressure. The blood sample used is taken from the finger tip.  The results are available after approximately fifteen minutes.  The next clinic will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 7:40-12:40.  Please call La Crosse County Public Health Nursing at (608) 785-9723 for an appointment.  The cost is $42.00, HGBA1C (indicates a blood sugar control over the last 2-3 months) is an additional $32.00.

Free Car Seat Checks and Rental by Trained Technicians - The La Crosse County Health Department offers free car seat checks to La Crosse County residents. Car seat rental is available for a short term of 3-4 weeks.  This program was designed to meet the need of relatives who are having visiting children.  The fee for the rental is $20 with a deposit of $20. The deposit will be returned when the car seat is returned on time and in good condition.  Please call (608) 785-9872 to make an appointment.

HIV Testing Available - The La Crosse County Health Department offers HIV testing on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.  Please call (608) 785-9872 for more information or to make an appointment.  Cost for the test is $15.00.