Release Date: July 9, 2008
Contact: Christine Patmon, Metro Health Public Relations Manager, 207-8638
Get Back-to-School Immunizations Now
Parents advised to get their child’s shots before back-to-school rush
In less than two months local children will be heading back to school and there will be a mad dash for all kinds of items such as clothes and supplies. Metro Health strongly advises parents to not let immunizations be a last-minute item. Parents should be proactive and have their children vaccinated while summer schedules are flexible.
The 2008-2009 school year starts on August 25 and Texas law requires all children attending schools and daycares to have their immunizations up to date before they can be admitted. If parents schedule doctor visits now, they can avoid crowded medical offices and the risk of not being able to get an appointment. Early scheduling also can help space out vaccinations if they are not up to date so children can avoid the trauma of receiving multiple injections at one time.
“Getting their immunization shots on time and every time is important for infants and children,” said Immunization Division Manager Brenda Lemke. “It provides them ongoing and consistent protection as they encounter others in the public, and shields them from diseases such as whooping cough, chickenpox and measles that can be brought into the home by parents, siblings or perhaps a visiting relative or friend.”
If a child does not have a primary care physician, immunizations are available at several community and walk-in clinics or two Metro Health clinics. Parents can
avoid long lines in what is typically hot August weather by being proactive now. The two Metro Health locations providing immunizations are as listed:
Main Immunization Center
345 W. Commerce
(210) 207-8694
*Hours:
Monday – Friday, 7:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., 1st 50 walk-ins
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., by appointment only
Goodwill Clinic
727 N.W. Loop 410 (at Blanco)
(210) 525-0059
*Hours:
Monday – Wednesday, 7:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
and 12:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, 7:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
and 12:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday, 7:45 p.m. - 12:00 p.m.
*First Wednesday of the month: 7:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. only
For more information about vaccination requirements, visit http://www.sanantonio.gov/health/Immunizations.html or call the Immunizations Division at 207-8750.
