The Mississippi State Department of Health is offering free routine immunizations for infants and children this week.

Youths up to age 18 may receive shots at county health departments through Friday. The vaccinations, usually offered at a low cost, are being adminstered for National Infant Immunization Week.

“Immunizations are essential to give infants and growing children a healthy start in life,” acting state epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers said in a news release.