Health alert: respiratory illness season
Respiratory illnesses usually rise in the fall and winter. Stay home when you're sick, wash your hands often, and talk to your provider about the vaccines that are right for you.
Immunizations
Vaccines protect you and the people around you. Local health departments offer childhood and adult vaccines, and many are free for children through a federal program.
Get your immunization record
The Franklin Immunization Registry keeps vaccination records reported by providers across the state. You can get a copy of your own record, or your child's, from your health care provider or your local health department. Schools and child care centers accept the official registry certificate.
Find a clinic
Every county is served by a local health department. Services vary by location but usually include:
- Immunizations for children and adults
- Family planning and maternity care
- WIC nutrition services for pregnant people, infants and young children
- Testing and treatment for tuberculosis and sexually transmitted infections
- Environmental health, such as restaurant inspections and well water testing
Community health centers also offer primary care on a sliding fee scale, based on income.
Disease prevention
The department tracks and responds to communicable diseases, foodborne illness outbreaks and other threats to public health. Health care providers and laboratories are required to report certain conditions. See the reporting rules for providers.
Women, children and families
Programs support healthy pregnancies, safe sleep for infants, newborn screening, early intervention for young children with developmental delays, and children and youth with special health care needs.
Data and reports
The State Center for Health Statistics publishes population health data, birth and death statistics, and county health profiles. Data is released in aggregate only, and never in a way that identifies a person.