Immunization clinics for children coming up

The New Mexico Department of Health, the New Mexico Immunization Coalition, the New Mexico Primary Care Association and healthcare providers from across the state are partnering to hold special immunization clinics in August for children through 18 years old. The special clinics are part of the “Got Shots? Protect Tots!” immunization campaign.

The New Mexico Department of Health, the New Mexico Immunization Coalition, the New Mexico Primary Care Association and healthcare providers from across the state are partnering to hold special immunization clinics in August for children through 18 years old. The special clinics are part of the “Got Shots? Protect Tots!” immunization campaign.

Participating providers will offer immunizations to any child, regardless of whether he or she is a patient or has insurance, as part of Got Shots? Protect Tots! clinics.

“Immunizations are one of the best tools we have to protect our children from serious, vaccine-preventable diseases and the special clinics are the perfect opportunity to have your child immunized before they start back to school this fall,” said Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Catherine Torres, M.D. “Parents need to keep their child’s immunizations up-to-date to keep them safe and healthy. I encourage all New Mexico parents to take advantage of the upcoming clinics,” she said.

Parents should take their child’s immunization record and Medicaid or private health insurance card.

The Got Shots? Protect Tots! immunization campaign is organized by the New Mexico Immunization Coalition, which includes the New Mexico Primary Care Association and the Department of Health. More than 80 private practices, community health centers and public health offices are participating in the Got Shots? Protect Tots! immunization clinics.

This is the seventh year that members of the New Mexico Immunization Coalition have partnered for summer back to school immunization events. During the 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 “Got Shots? Protect Tots!” events, providers gave more than 22,700 immunizations to more than 9,100 children across the state.