The chickenpox vaccine is being offered to children at a reduced rate through the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department.

The Kansas Immunization Program has received American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to provide the vaccine to children, ages 10 through 18, in need of a first or second dose of the immunization.

Kansas schools require proof from a doctor of a previous history of the disease and, depending on the child’s grade level, one to two doses of the vaccine.

Starting with the 2010-2011 school year, two doses of the vaccination will be required for kindergartners and first-graders. Currently, one dose is required for all other grades.

While there is no fee for the vaccine, which costs $85, there is a $14 administration fee; however, no one will be denied service from an inability to pay.

No appointment is necessary for a vaccination. For more information or clinic hours, visit the health department’s Web site at www.ldchealth.org/contactus.htm.