From Aug. 17-28, the Comal County Office of Public Health will extend its operating hours through lunch to provide back-to-school immunizations.

In addition to the extended hours, the office, located at 1297 Church Hill Drive, New Braunfels, regularly offers vaccines for children and adults by appointment only from 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. on weekdays.

“Our office is open and available to make sure children are caught up on their immunizations,” Director of Public Health Cheryl Fraser said in a statement. “We have social distancing and other protocols in place to make sure those who come into the office can do so safely.”

To make an appointment, contact the office at 830-221-1150. Costs vary by vaccine, and the office accepts payments via cash, Children’s Health Insurance Program, Medicaid, Medicare Traditional Part B and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an initiative of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that aims to increase the public’s understanding of the benefit of vaccines and improve access to immunizations.

The CCOPH participates in two programs that help make vaccines affordable for low- and middle-income families which include:

- Texas Vaccines for Children, which provides low-cost vaccines for children from birth to age 18 who are eligible for Medicaid, enrolled in the Children’s Health Insurance Program, are American Indian or Alaska Natives, or are uninsured or underinsured.

- Adult Safety Net, which provides low-cost vaccines for anyone 19 and older without health insurance.