Release Date: August 5, 2009
Contact: Christine Patmon, Metro Health Public Relations Manager, 207-8638
Metro Health and Partners Make a Final Push for
Back-to-School Immunizations
Six Saturday clinics and extended hours offered before school begins on August 24
As summer break comes to a close, parents need to make back-to-school immunizations a top priority or their children may be sent home. That was the word of caution delivered today by leaders with Metro Health, the University Health System (UHS) and Northside Independent School District (NISD) as they highlighted back-to-school immunization events.
During the coming days, several immunization events are scheduled to take place leading into the last weekend before school. The efforts are aimed at maximizing opportunities for families to access services, with the goal of preventing potentially life-threatening diseases such as whooping cough, measles and meningitis.
“We recognize that some families are experiencing incredible struggles right now. So, it is even more important to make it as easy as possible for parents to protect their children from vaccine preventable diseases without losing time from work or money from their paychecks,” said Dr. Fernando Guerra, director of Metro Health.
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. Prior to that open clinic, the health department will join UHS and Cox Radio for Shots for Tots on Saturday, August 15 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Crossroads Mall, 4522 Fredericksburg.
Other partner organizations, including CentroMed and CommuniCare also have organized events to provide vaccinations. With six Saturday events and extended hours at seven UHS locations as well as the Good Health! at Goodwill clinic (Loop 410 and Blanco), every student should be able to get their shot record up-to-date.
“University Health System is proud to be providing free and low cost immunizations at our preventive health clinics every weekday, as well as at several special events taking place throughout Bexar County all this month,” said Steve Enders, senior vice president of ambulatory services with UHS and chair of Metro Health’s Advisory Board of Health.
“These efforts are all about ensuring our students can begin the year with the best immunity coverage possible so they can have the highest level of protection. To achieve this, no child will be allowed to attend class in NISD without an up-to-date shot record,” said Shirley Schreiber, NISD director of health services.
Parents are reminded that new State-mandated immunizations could apply to their children, especially if they are entering kindergarten or 7th grade. To help expedite service, all 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.
Immunization fees at Metro Health will be as follows:
No fees for children who present a valid Medicaid or CHIP card.
Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program will be charged a $10 service fee for each dose received.
For all other children, a $15 service fee will be charged per visit in addition to the full price of each vaccine received. If insured, parents will be responsible for filing a claim with their insurance company to request possible reimbursement for charges.
There will be a $5 charge for each immunization record requested.
Fees vary for other community partners, so parents should call ahead to verify costs.
For more information or a schedule of immunization clinics and hours, click here.
