(Santa Fe) – The New Mexico Department of Health, the New Mexico Immunization Coalition (NMIC), the New Mexico Primary Care Association (NMPCA), and healthcare providers from across the state are helping parents prepare children for going back to school.
Special immunization clinics will be held from July 24th through August 14th for all children 18 years old and younger. The special clinics are part of the Got Shots? immunization campaign.
School is right around the corner, and despite COVID-19 restrictions, children are required to be up to date on immunizations for school. Got Shots? provides many opportunities for parents to take their children for needed immunizations. Immunizations are even more important for children and for families during the COVID pandemic.
Participating providers will offer immunizations to any child, regardless of whether they are a patient or have insurance as part of Got Shots?. Some providers hold clinics on weekends or evening hours to accommodate parents’ busy schedules. Parents should call ahead to the clinic to check if an appointment is needed. In addition, due to COVID-19, there may be special procedures in place, such as waiting in the car until their child’s turn. Parents need to bring their child’s shot record and Medicaid or private health insurance card if they have insurance, even though immunizations are provided at no cost to parents.
This year, pharmacies across the state will be providing COVID-19 vaccines to children ages 12 and older, as a special addition to Got Shots? A separate listing of participating pharmacies is available on the Got Shots website.
“Diseases that once injured or killed thousands of children are now a rare occurrence in the United States, and some have been eliminated completely here – primarily due to safe and effective vaccines,” said Department of Health Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Tracie Collins. “Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect your child from many diseases. I encourage all New Mexico parents to take advantage of the upcoming clinics.”
The Got Shots? immunization campaign is organized by the New Mexico Immunization Coalition, which includes the New Mexico Primary Care Association and the Department of Health. This year 47 community health centers, public health offices, and private practices across New Mexico are participating in Got Shots?.
To find a clinic in local communities statewide, people are encouraged to go online to www.immunizenm.org and click on the Got Shots? logo. The Department of Health provides immunizations at no cost year round at public health clinics in every county for uninsured children.
To find a clinic in local communities statewide, people are encouraged to go online to www.immunizenm.org and click on the Got Shots? logo. The Department of Health provides immunizations at no cost year round at public health clinics in every county for uninsured children. To find your local Public health office visit www.nmhealth.org, however, please check with your local public health office for details about this due to COVID-19.