Obviously no one likes being sick. But why exactly? Here are some specific reasons - they don't want to...

So use the tips pictured above (or listed on the CDC website), to prevent sickness in the first place.

When it comes to getting vaccinated, Clay County Public Health Center is one of many places where you can find this form of powerful protection. Getting vaccinated can often prevent or reduce the impact of illness, allowing you to get back to the things you'd rather be doing.

Flu

Everyone six months and older should get a flu shot, preferably by the end of October. This gives you protection during the part of flu season that usually see the highest levels of spread. Learn more about flu and its impact.

COVID

Clay County Public Health Center plans to offer the COVID vaccine this fall but it is not currently available. We will update our website and social media when a start date and eligibility information is available. Factors that impact our ability to offer the vaccine right away include awaiting CDC and state recommendations, updating standing orders with the CCPHC medical director, and supply delivery.

RSV

RSV is an infection of the lungs and respiratory tract that can present as a common cold in healthy adults but can cause severe illness in babies, older adults, people with chronic disease or are immunocompromised.

👴 Older adults: The RSV vaccine for this group is not an annual vaccine - you only need to get it one time. People ages 50-75 may choose to get vaccinated and those 75+ should get vaccinated.

🤰 Pregnancy: Women who are within 32-36 weeks of pregnancy should get vaccinated against RSV. This protects baby during the first 6 months of life (the riskiest time to catch RSV).

👶 Infants: A monoclonal antibody injection (not a vaccine) is available for children under 8 months old and high-risk children aged 8 months to 19 months. Infants whose mothers got the RSV vaccine during pregnancy are not recommended to get the antibody injection unless the infant is at very high risk. Protection lasts for about 5 months so plan to get your infant's injection close to the beginning of RSV season (October-March).

Due to the passage of the "One Big, Beautiful Bill Act" (budget reconciliation legislation) by the federal government in 2025, there are or will be changes to several systems that help people access healthcare and food in the U.S.

These changes may cause confusion for the users of these systems and could result in the loss of benefits. Clay County Public Health Center compiled helpful guides to help users and healthcare providers navigate these complicated changes.

Cuts in funding, along with changes to enrollment and eligibility requirements for the Medicaid expansion group (adults ages 18-64 with incomes at 138% of poverty level) are expected to result in enrollment losses ranging from 130,000-170,000 people in Missouri. This will impact enrollment for 7,800-10,200 people in Clay County. 

While Clay County is part of the Kansas City metro, it borders rural counties (e.g., Ray, Clinton). Rural facilities rely on reimbursement from Medicaid to cover the cost of care for low-income community members. If rural facilities cut services or close due to lack of Medicaid reimbursement, Clay County emergency departments and clinics can expect spillover demand. This means longer wait times for all, regardless of insurance status. Behavioral health and labor & delivery services are expected to be impacted the most.

Registered nurses administer required and recommended vaccinations to middle and high schoolers in local schools throughout the year. 

Parents/guardians who want their student to participate should complete the online registration at least two weeks before their student's clinic.

Free dental screenings and fluoride varnish are offered at Clay County schools by registered dental hygienists.

Parents/guardians should return the consent form by clinic day (online option available at schools marked *) in order for your student to participate.

Don't see your child's school listed?

More dates for Fall 2025 are posted on each services' webpage (buttons above).

Clay County Public Health Center is now accepting applications for the following positions. Click here to learn more!

Family Fun Day - Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025

800 Haines Drive, Liberty, MO 64068

clayhealth.com | 816-595-4200

Through service, partnership, and leadership we deliver the essential public health services of prevention, promotion, and protection to improve the health and well-being of all communities in Clay County.

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