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PARKERSBURG — The Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department is recommending parents and caregivers make appointments for their children’s back-to-school vaccinations.

“Making an appointment now beats the rush during August and the weeks before school starts,” Christi Merrill, clinical director, said.

The health department offers the required vaccines and boosters for each child’s age to enter school. Check with the school district to see what vaccines are needed to be enrolled.

The health department also offers those needed for college-aged students, such as for meningitis.

All appointments for the Wood County office are at the location in St. Joseph Landing, 1824 Murdoch Ave. in Parkersburg. Calhoun, Ritchie, Roane, Pleasants and Wirt appointments are at offices in those counties.

To make an appointment: Wood County, 304-485-7374; Calhoun County, 304-354-6101; Pleasants County, 304-684-2461; Ritchie County, 304-643-2917; Roane County, 304-927-1480; Wirt County, 304-275-3131.