Health Department helps children catch up on vaccines

Back-to-school vaccinations are available at no cost from dozens of medical providers statewide.

The annual Got Shots special immunization clinics will be held through Aug. 30 for all children up to 18 years old, according to a news release.

The New Mexico Department of Health, the New Mexico Immunization Coalition, the New Mexico Primary Care Association, along with managed care partners Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Molina Healthcare, Presbyterian Healthcare Services and United Healthcare, are making sure New Mexico’s children get their immunizations on schedule.

“Vaccines are one of the greatest tools we have to protect children’s health. Safe and effective immunizations have dramatically reduced - and in some cases, eliminated - dangerous child- hood diseases that once claimed thousands of young lives in the United States every year,” said Andrea Romero, NMDOH Immunization Program manager.

Participating providers - such as NMDOH public health officeswill offer immunizations to any child, regardless of whether they are a patient or have insurance, as part of Got Shots, the release stated.

Some providers hold clinics on weekends or evening hours to accommodate parents’ busy schedules. Parents should call ahead to the clinic to see if an appointment is needed. Parents need to bring their child’s shot record, and if they have insurance, their Medicaid or private health insurance card. Immunizations are provided at no cost to parents regardless of insurance.

This year, 68 public health offices, community health centers, and private practices are participating in the Got Shots campaign.

A map and list of additional statewide locations participating in Got Shots is available on the New Mexico Immunization Coalition page.