DEPARTMENT: Public Health
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreements With School Districts For On-Site Vaccinations Clinics
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize execution of joint powers agreement (JPA)s with school districts for on-site vaccination clinics.
SUMMARY
Pursuant to Minn. Stat. ? 375A.04, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners is, and performs the duties and exercises the powers of, a community health board under Minn. Stat. ch. 145A, including the responsibility to prevent disease and to promote and protect the public health of Dakota County residents.
Dakota County Public Health (PH) has over a decade of working with local school districts in Dakota County on various health initiatives. Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of communicable diseases in the community, but many school districts in Dakota County are seeing lower rates of immunization post-COVID-19 pandemic. State law requires a set of immunizations for entry into kindergarten and beyond, and school-based vaccine clinics help ensure that students have received the necessary vaccinations and are in compliance with these requirements.
School-based vaccine clinics reinforce the importance of immunizations and raise awareness about vaccine-preventable diseases. They provide an opportunity to educate parents, students, and the community about the benefits of vaccinations, dispel myths or misinformation, and address concerns. PH will enter into a contract with Homeland Health Specialists to provide onsite vaccination clinics at various school districts throughout the County. PH will provide on-site District vaccination clinic services in the event Homeland Health Specialist, Inc. is unable to provide services and the County agrees to perform such services, based on its capacity and resources. By hosting on-site vaccination clinics, PH will be able to increase vaccination coverage and reduce disparities amo...
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