The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), the New Mexico Immunization Coalition, the New Mexico Primary Care Association, and health-care providers across the state are helping parents prepare children for going back to school.
Special immunization clinics will be held through Aug. 31 for all children ages 0-18. The special clinics are part of the Got Shots? immunization campaign.
“Safe and effective vaccines have changed the landscape of childhood diseases and virtually eliminated some that once injured or killed thousands of children in the United States,” said Acting NMDOH Secretary Dr. David R. Scrase , M.D. “Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect your child from many diseases. I encourage all New Mexico parents to take advantage of the upcoming clinics.”
School is right around the corner, and now is the time to make sure children are up to date on immunizations for school. Got Shots? provides many opportunities for parents to take their children for needed immunizations. Immunizations are even more important for children and for families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Participating providers will offer immunizations to any child, regardless of whether they are a patient or have insurance, as part of Got Shots?. Some providers will hold clinics on weekends or during evening hours to accommodate parents’ busy schedules.
Parents should call ahead to the clinic to check if an appointment is needed. Parents need to bring their child’s shot record and Medicaid or private health insurance card if they have insurance, even though immunizations are provided at no cost to parents.
The Got Shots? immunization campaign is organized by the New Mexico Immunization Coalition, which includes the New Mexico Primary Care Association and the NMDOH. This year, 66 community health centers, public health offices and private practices across New Mexico are participating in Got Shots?.
Parents can find immunization clinic locations nearest them by visiting immunization.doh.nm.gov. In Artesia, locations include:
• NMDOH Public Health Office, 1001 Memorial Drive, 575-746-9819
• Memorial Family Practice, 702 N. 13th St., 575-746-3119
• Artesia Clinic, 608 N. First St., 575-746-8880
The NMDOH provides immunizations at no cost year-round at public health clinics in every county for uninsured children. To find your local public health office, visit www.nmhealth.org.
