School is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to make sure your children are up to date on their vaccines. In an effort to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases, El Paso County Public Health is joining with partners nationwide in recognizing August as National Immunization Awareness Month.
Public Health will offer a free vaccine clinic to children who are eligible at the Back-To-School Summerfest event on Saturday, August 4 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The event will be held at Deerfield Hills Community Center, located at 4290 Deerfield Hills Rd. El Paso County Public Health is partnering with the YMCA, Harrison School District 2 and Deerfield Hills Community Center to host the event.
“Vaccines have had an enormous impact on improving the health of children in the United States and locally,” said Dr. Robin Johnson, medical director of El Paso County Public Health. “Summerfest provides a convenient opportunity to learn more and to join in preventing disease, both in one’s own children and in the community.”
Children eligible for free vaccines are those who have CHP+, Medicaid, no insurance, or whose insurance does not cover vaccines. The clinic will offer most required and recommended vaccinations for children ages four through 18 while supplies last. Vaccine records are required. Additionally, a Medicaid or CHP+ card is required for those who are on Medicaid or CHP+.
For more information, call (719) 578-3199, option 5, for the Immunization Clinic, or visit www.elpasocountyhealth.org.