It’s almost that time for children to head back to school. That means parents need to make sure their child’s immunization shots are up-to-date. On August 12, 2017 the Dallas County Health and Human Services will be offering free back-to-school immunizations for eligible children.
It is a service DCHHS has been offering for the past 20 years according to Renae Crutchfield, Public Information Officer, Dallas County Health & Human Services.
“We estimate between 150 to 200 clients to be immunized this coming Saturday, which is a projection based off of last year’s numbers,” Crutchfield said.
Dallas County residents from birth to age 18 in the following categories are eligible to receive free immunizations on August 12 under the Texas Vaccines for Children Program (TVFC):
- Medicaid eligible
- Uninsured: a child who has no health insurance coverage
- American Indian or Alaskan Native
- Enrolled in CHIP
- Underinsured (as defined by the Texas Department of State Health Services)
The back-to-school immunization clinic will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on the first floor of the main DCHHS building located at 2377 N Stemmons Freeway in Dallas.
Appointments are not required, however parents and guardians should be sure to bring immunization records for walk in immunizations.
“Mumps cases in Dallas County spiked last school year and vaccinations were essential in helping reduce the spread,” said Zachary Thompson, DCHHS director. “This fall, don’t let your child’s seat in class be left empty. Get your children the vaccinations they need for school now.”
It is also recommended that parents and guardians review immunization records and consult with a primary care provider or a public health professional to determine the needed vaccinations for their children. Texas has specific minimum state vaccine requirements for students grades K-12. These requirements can be found online here.
“Provisional enrollments are not always guaranteed and are only short term,” said Tammara Scroggins, DCHHS asst. director public health communicable disease. “Acting now will help ensure that your children are ready for classes on the first day of school.”
If your child is not eligible for the free clinic this Saturday, there are still low-cost clinics in the area for inexpensive immunizations costing around $10. Below is a list of the clinics spread across the Dallas area providing these services.
Oak Cliff Branch Immunization Clinic
1113 E. Jefferson Blvd. Suite 200 in Dallas
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
214-948-0425
John West Branch Immunization Clinic
3312 N. Buckner Blvd. Suite 200 in Dallas
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
214-321-5747
Irving Branch Immunization Clinic
440 S. Nursery Rd. in Irving
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through F riday
972-721-3661
North Dallas Branch Immunization Clinic
8202 Spring Valley Rd. #200
This clinic location is located at the corner of Waterfall Way and Spring Valley behind the laundromat.
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
214-358-0926
Carrollton Farmers Branch Immunization Clinic
2774 Valwood Pkwy. in Farmers Branch
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
972-241-2684