Here's a healthy dose of good news for all parents.

Two very expensive child vaccines are now being offered by the state at a greatly-reduced cost.

The state Health Department recently received special funding that will be used to vaccinate kids with the second smallpox and meningitis vaccines.

Both illnesses can be dangerous and deadly if not caught.

And many children will need these vaccines before the new school year begins.

Beginning July 15th, the shots will given to eligible children for a suggested donation of eight dollars each.

The meningitis vaccine alone costs at least 95- dollars.

(Naomi Friesz, Registered Nurse / Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health): "Basically, we are on a short-term funding for this, and so money is gone at the end of December or the end of the year or if the vaccine gets used-up first... whichever happens first. So, that's why we're really encouraging people to come."


Kids less than 13 years old are eligible to get the second chickenpox vaccine.

And those age 11-18 qualify for the meningitis vaccine.

Call your local health department or physician to make an appointment. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list