Shots for school kids start July 29

With school less than a month away, the New Mexico Immunization Coalition is hosting Got Shots to help ensure all students are up-to-date on their vaccinations.

Participating providers will open their doors to kids from July 29 to Aug. 12, regardless whether they are patients or have insurance. Those who do have insurance are asked to bring their insurance cards and shot records.

Clinics across Albuquerque are taking part, including a number on the West Side.

Albuquerque Public Schools communications director Johanna King encouraged families to participate.

“Immunizations protect children from serious illness, so it’s important that students are up-to-date on their shots before starting school,” she said.

“Just what shots to get and when to get them can be confusing, which is why we encourage families to visit their health care provider, a New Mexico Department of Public Health office or one of the Got Shot clinics.”

New Mexico law does allow for medical and religious immunization exemptions for children entering school. Parents must submit an approved Certificate of Exemption Form in order to register their child without proof of current vaccinations.

For more information on required vaccinations, go to www.aps.edu/nursing.