Need back-to-school immunizations? Walmart is holding an event this weekend to help

Walmart will offer free screenings and low-cost immunizations Saturday. STAFF PHOTO / HOLLY SHIVELY

Walmart will offer free screenings and low-cost immunizations Saturday. STAFF PHOTO / HOLLY SHIVELY

Walmart will offer low-cost immunizations and free screenings for the back-to-school season on Saturday.

Available at every Walmart store with a pharmacy across the nation, the company’s Wellness Day Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will focus on immunizations.

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Meningititis and tdap (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis) immunizations are required by Ohio state law for seventh- and 12th-grade students, according to Walmart’s regional health and wellness coordinator Michael Bracken. Those immunizations along with the following immunizations will be available:

• Pneumonia – Pneumovax and Prevnar

• Shingles

• Tetanus

• Hepatitis A

• Hepatitis B

• MMR

• Meningococcal – MC4 and MenB

• HPV

• Varicella

The pharmacies can vaccinate any person 13 years and older without a prescription, and 8- to 12-years-olds with a prescription. Cost will vary depending on insurance provider, but Walmart spokeswoman Anne Hatfield said insurance often picks up some or all of the total.

“We make sure that we are offering immunizations to make sure families have another access point that is convenient and affordable,” she said.

In addition to immunizations, customers can access free blood glucose, blood pressure and body max index screenings. There will also be vision screenings at Walmart stores with a vision center.

“It’s just a great opportunity for folks to come in and take care of themselves and check in on their wellness,” Hatfield said.

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Walmart Wellness Days started several years ago and have since grown to be held four times a year. The company has provided 2 million free screenings since its first event.

“We had such a great response that we realized our customers wanted this,” Hatfield said.

There are 38 Walmart stores located in the greater Dayton area, according to the company’s store locator.

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