Indianapolis, Indiana – Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is teaming up with the Marion County Public Health Department (MCPHD) to host a Last Chance Vaccine and Health Clinic at Arsenal Technical High School on Friday, October 17, offering students and families one final opportunity to catch up on important health services before winter arrives.
The event will run from 1 to 7 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria, located at 1500 E. Michigan Street, with vaccines and sports physicals available until 6 p.m. No appointment is necessary—families are welcome to walk in at any time during clinic hours.
The clinic is designed to make essential healthcare more accessible to IPS families. Services will include free vaccinations, sports physicals, and health insurance navigation support, along with dental education and light refreshments. To encourage participation, students who receive vaccines will automatically be entered into a drawing for Kroger gift cards, with 15 cards valued at $100 and 3 cards valued at $250 up for grabs.
Getting vaccinated before the colder months is especially important, health experts say, as respiratory illnesses such as the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 tend to spread more easily in winter. These infections can cause students to miss school and fall behind academically, making preventive care a top priority.
“Our goal is to make it easy for families to take care of essential health needs in a supportive and welcoming environment,” said Dr. Megan Carlson, IPS director of health services. “By getting vaccinated now, students can stay in class, avoid preventable illness, and help protect others in our community through community immunity.”
The partnership between IPS and MCPHD reflects a shared commitment to promoting public health and keeping students in school. By removing barriers such as transportation challenges and appointment scheduling, the organizations hope to make preventive healthcare as convenient as possible for families across the district.
The clinic’s location at Arsenal Tech provides a central and easily accessible venue for families throughout Indianapolis. Attendees can come for a quick visit after school or work, receive care from qualified health professionals, and take home valuable information about maintaining good health throughout the winter season.
IPS officials urge families not to miss this opportunity, calling it a simple yet powerful way to protect children and the broader community. With no cost, no appointment required, and a welcoming atmosphere, the Last Chance Vaccine and Health Clinic aims to ensure every student enters the winter months healthy, prepared, and ready to learn.
