New Mexico health officials urged parents to take part in the wide‑reaching immunization campaign before the first school bells ring in the fall. The vaccination initiative aims to shield children from preventable diseases.
The “Got Shots?” initiative is a collaborative effort by the New Mexico Department of Health, the New Mexico Primary Care Association, and the New Mexico Immunization Coalition. It will offer free vaccinations at more than 60 locations across the state from June 13 through Aug. 29. The program targets children from birth through age 18. Officials said they will not turn away any child, regardless of insurance or immigration status.
Health officials encouraged parents to bring their child’s existing vaccination records and insurance card if they have one. The coverage, however, is not required. Many participating sites — including public health offices, community health centers and some private practices — are offering evening and weekend hours to align with work schedules of the parents. “Back-to-school vaccinations play a vital role in protecting children and communities from many serious diseases, and getting vaccinated helps protect you and your loved ones’ health,” said Andrea Romero, the immunization program section manager at the Department of Health.
The campaign comes as schools across the state prepare to implement immunization requirements for the next academic year. Health officials note that timely immunizations not only achieve established regulatory benchmarks. They also help prevent outbreaks of diseases such as measles, whooping cough, and polio. These diseases have seen worrying resurgences in parts of the country in recent years.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirm that on-time immunizations are critical. Measles requires 90–95 percent coverage, pertussis (DTaP) around 80–85 percent, and polio 92–95 percent to meet regulatory thresholds and prevent outbreaks. Falling below these benchmarks has led to a reemergence of measles, whooping cough, and polio in parts of the U.S. and worldwide.
An interactive map and clinic finder is available on the state’s vaccine portal at vaccine.doh.nm.gov. Families can also call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for assistance in locating a site or scheduling care.
The program builds on similar successful summer efforts in previous years. Partnerships with managed care organizations, including Presbyterian and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, help ensure far-reaching availability.
Officials advised parents to check with individual vaccination clinics ahead of time. Some of these clinics may require appointments, while others operate on a walk-in basis. With summer barely underway, officials say there is enough time to catch up on any missed doses before August.