Classes in New Mexico resume in nearly two weeks. This means students, teachers, and parents will soon focus on school responsibilities. Health officials urge families to prioritize student vaccination before classes begin.
Prevention is better than cure, as many would say. Vaccination protects students before they enter crowded spots in schools. Crowded classrooms and other school areas can easily spread highly contagious illness among students. If your child receives recommended vaccines, they protect themselves and the school community. Vaccination also helps prevent absenteeism and academic disruption.
Health officials encouraged parents to update their children’s vaccinations before the first day of school to help keep classrooms healthy.
KOAT Action News reported that the Department of Health said required vaccines protect against diseases such as measles, polio, whooping cough, and other infections. Officials also recommended flu, COVID-19, and HPV vaccines ahead of the respiratory season. The HPV vaccine is recommended as a cancer prevention measure.
“The best protection from any of these diseases is to be up to date on your vaccinations. So as kids are going back and that’s gathering back in the classrooms, that is most important because that’s how those get spread,” said Andrea Romero, immunization program manager for the DOH.
Many healthcare providers and public health offices statewide offer free vaccines to students up to 18 years old.
State health officials reported that about 95 percent of students received the required school vaccines last year.
“Got Shots?” Offers Free Back-To-School Vaccinations
The “Got Shots?” initiative is a collaborative effort by the DOH, 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 August 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,” Romero earlier said.
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.
