Release Date: August 12, 2009
Contact: Christine Patmon, Metro Health Public Relations Manager, 207-8638
Councilwoman Chan Joins Metro Health at Model Clinic
for Back-to-School Immunizations and Back Pack Giveaway
District 9 representative brings additional awareness to immunization efforts
August is National Immunization Awareness Month and District 9 City Councilwoman Elisa Chan led the recognition effort by calling attention to back-to-school vaccination resources, especially those at the Good Health at Goodwill clinic. Councilwoman Chan joined Dr. Fernando Guerra and executives with Goodwill Industries and University Health System (UHS) to highlight immunization services provided at the clinic as well as the final 10 days of back-to-school clinic events prior to August 24.
“I am glad this unique clinic is here to serve our area,” said Councilwoman Chan. “While many residents of District 9 are among the ranks of those fortunate to be insured, there are pockets of economically disadvantaged families and public health is here to stand in the gap for them.”
Good Health at Goodwill is a two-year old initiative that began with a public-private partnership between Metro Health and Goodwill Industries. The clinic, located inside the Goodwill store at Loop 410 and Blanco, is believed the first of its kind in the country for Goodwill. Since opening in March 2007, members of the Metro Health immunization team have provided more than 10,000 vaccinations there.
“The Goodwill clinic is a wonderful example of how public health can collaborate with the private sector to maximize limited resources,” said Dr. Fernando Guerra, director of Metro Health. “It is working well for the community, especially at this time of the year when immunizations and back-to-school shopping can be combined in one location.”
The first 50 children receiving immunizations at the Goodwill clinic today only are receiving back packs donated by H-E-B. Each contains school supplies donated by Metro Health. Goodwill is providing $5 gift cards that are good at any of their stores.
Parents who still have not made arrangements to bring their child’s immunizations up to date have only 10 days left before the beginning of school. Metro Health will hold its major immunization event on Tuesday, August 18 from 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Freeman Coliseum, 3201 E. Houston. This Saturday, the department will join UHS and Cox Radio for Shots for Tots on from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Crossroads Mall, 4522 Fredericksburg.
Goodwill will host a special back-to-school immunizations clinic in partnership with UHS on Saturday, August 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at its store at 10647 Culebra Road (at Loop 1604).
To help expedite service at any of these clinics, parents should be prepared to:
Take the most recent shot record to the appointment.
Have valid or current Medicaid or CHIP information, cash or insurance information.
Bring a letter from the school nurse, if you received one.
Tell the physician or medical clinic about any medical condition or illness affecting your child.
Inform the physician or medical clinic of any reaction to medications, food, or any vaccine your child has experienced.
Ask about the Tdap, meningococcal and HPV vaccines for college-bound students.
For Metro Health immunization fees, call 207-8894. For additional information or a full schedule of clinic events, click here.
