Las Vegas, Nev. (August 11, 2016) — School is starting soon. It’s time for parents to gather up school supplies and backpacks. It’s also the perfect time to make sure students are up-to-date on their vaccines.

To celebrate the importance of immunizations for people of all ages – and make sure children are protected with all the vaccines they need as they go back to school – Immunize Nevada is joining with partners nationwide in recognizing August as National Immunization Awareness Month.

“Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective tools available for preventing disease and even death,” said Immunize Nevada Executive Director Heidi Parker. “National Immunization Awareness Month gives us the opportunity to remind parents of the importance of following the recommended vaccination schedule.”
As part of Immunization Awareness Month, Immunize Nevada is teaming up with a number of partners to offer vaccines throughout the community.

• Saturday, August 20, 10am – 4 pm, Cox Communications Back To School Fair, Boulevard Mall, 3528 S Maryland Pkwy Las Vegas, NV 89169
• Saturday, August 20, 10 am - 2 pm, Healthcare Partners Back To School Fair & Wellness Clinic, Boulder City Pediatric Clinic, 1297 Nevada Highway, Ste. B Boulder City, NV 89005
• Tuesday, August 23, 9 am - 1 p, Cashman Middle School Back To School Clinic, Cashman Middle School, 4622 W. Desert Inn Road Las Vegas, NV 89102
• Saturday, August 27, 9 am - 1 pm, Give Kids A Boost, Southern Nevada Health District, 280 S. Decatur Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89107
• Saturday, August 27, 10 am - 2 pm, Healthcare Partners Galleria Pediatric Wellness Clinic, Galleria Pediatric Clinic, 1397 Galleria Drive Henderson, NV 89014
• Saturday, August 27, 10 am - 4 pm, Cox Communications Back To School Fair, Downtown Summerlin, 1980 Festival Plaza Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89135

“We have a lot of transplants to Nevada, who may not know what is required,” said Parker. “They can find out more about the vaccines required to attend school in Nevada at www.immunizenevada.org/NVSchoolRequirements."

Vaccines protect against a number of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk for diseases and can also spread diseases to others in their classrooms and community – including babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated, and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer or other health conditions.

Families can also check and print their child’s immunization records at https://izrecord.nv.gov. First-time users may need to contact the Nevada WebIZ help desk at 1-877-NV-WebIZ (877-689-3249) or email izit@health.nv.gov.

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines to children who are underinsured or whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them. The VFC program helps children get their vaccines according to the recommended immunization schedule and has contributed directly to a substantial increase in childhood immunization coverage levels, making a significant contribution to the elimination of disparities in vaccination coverage among young children.

Immunize Nevada is widely recognized as Nevada’s trusted resource for immunizations and community health for all ages by fostering education and statewide collaboration. Immunize Nevada’s vision is healthy communities across Nevada protected from vaccine-preventable disease. 

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