Parents can bring their child at UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Clinic Center for a free vaccine this Saturday, July 11.
From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., parents can line up to the family practice clinic on the third floor with their children for a free vaccine. The free event is partnership with New Mexico Department of Health as part of a statewide campaign to immunize children.
This is in preparation of back-to-school plans as parents can feel overwhelmed woth back-to-school to-do lists.
According to SRMC’s Medical Director for Ambulatory Care Chris Bouchard, MD, this vaccines can help kids be ready for school.
“We’re really excited to host this event to help kids get the vaccines they need so they’re ready for school,” he said.
Meanwhile, for parents who wish to opt for walk-in appointment, they can do so on the three Fridays following the clinic, July 17, 24, and 31 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
“We have all the standard vaccines required for children from birth to 18 years old,” Bouchard said.
“So, vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox, meningitis, tetanus. We’ll also have the HPV vaccine,” Bouchard added further.
Vaccine Is Not Just A Requirement, It’s A Prevention
The vaccines for the diseases mentioned may be rare, but it can come with severe and lifelong consequences. Thus, schools requires vaccines to prevent serious communicable diseases.
“These are diseases that tend to spread very easily and very quickly among our kids who are often in small, enclosed spaces like their classrooms and the cafeteria,” he said.
“So, making sure we have as many kids immunized as we can will help prevent the development and spread of those diseases,” he added further.
Although he knows that parents and kids are anxious about getting shots, he assures them that the experienced team is ready.
“Our team works with children of all ages,” he said.
“We try to use language to help make giving the vaccine a gentler experience. We use distraction techniques to try and reduce some of the pain that’s associated with getting shots. We also try to combine vaccines into fewer pokes when it’s safe to do that,” he added.
Meanwhile, Bouchard emphasized that the ultimate goal is to make is as accessible as possible for families to get the care they need.
