The DuPage County Health Department is offering $23 vaccines for children on Medicaid or without insurance as District 205 families prepare for the Thursday, August 13 first day of school. Students in certain grade levels who aren't up to date on immunizations face exclusion under state law, historically enforced by October 15.
The shots are available through the federally funded Vaccines for Children program at three DCHD clinic locations: Wheaton, Westmont, and Lombard. Families can book an appointment by calling 630-682-7400 and specifying which site they prefer, according to the health department's immunization services page.
Children whose private insurance covers vaccinations do not qualify, DCHD notes on its website. The program is limited to children with Medicaid, no insurance, or insurance that does not cover immunizations.
Who needs shots this year
D205's exclusion policy requires students entering early childhood programs, kindergarten, sixth grade, ninth grade, and 12th grade to have up-to-date physicals and immunizations, according to the district's medical exclusion letter. The same applies to any student transferring into Illinois from another state or country.
Under state law and D205's historical practice, students not in compliance by October 15 are excluded from school. The district has not yet published its 2026-27 compliance calendar.
For sixth graders heading to Bryan or Sandburg middle schools, Illinois requires one Tdap dose (at age 11 or older), one meningococcal conjugate vaccine, three hepatitis B doses, two MMR doses, and two varicella doses, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health's 2026-27 immunization schedule.
How to book and what's next
The Illinois Department of Public Health adopted the 2026 child and adolescent immunization schedule issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The VFC program is federally funded through the CDC and administered locally by approved providers like DCHD. Adam Forker, DCHD's executive director, confirmed the arrangement at a May 2026 Rotary Club appearance in Wheaton.
D205's first day of school is Thursday, August 13. The district recommends submitting health forms before that date, though the hard exclusion deadline has historically fallen on October 15. To schedule a VFC appointment, call 630-682-7400 and ask about clinic availability at the Wheaton, Westmont, or Lombard offices.
