Beginning Monday, the Warren County Health Department, along with all other county health departments in the state, will offer free adolescent immunizations

Three vaccinations will be available through June 29 for children ages 11 to 18, Tdap, HPV and meningococcal.

“We want to provide parents with every possible opportunity to vaccinate their adolescent children,” said Mississippi State Department of Health Acting State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers.

The Tdap vaccination, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, is now required for all children entering seventh grade, a change from just being recommended in years past.

The HPV vaccination protects against human papillomavirus, which is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States, according to the MSDH website. The MSDH suggests that both men and women between the ages of 9 to 26 be vaccinated.

The primary purpose of the meningococcal vaccine is to shield against meningitis, a bacterial infection of the membranes on the brain and spinal cord. According to the MSDH, all adolescents ages 11 through 18 and college freshmen who will be living in dormitories should be vaccinated.

The Warren County Health Department is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and walk-ins are welcome.