Reno, Nev. (July 29, 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 the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, Amerigroup, Saint Mary’s, the Nevada State Immunization Program, Washoe County Health District and Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada to host the Give Kids a Boost Back to School Health and Safety Fair on Saturday, August 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pennington Facility at 1300 Foster Drive in Reno.

There will also be a vaccine clinic sponsored by Centene and Walgreens at the Reno Media Group health fair and fashion show at Outlets at Legends the same day, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additional vaccination opportunities can be found at immunizenevada.org/calendar. 

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.

Parents can find out more about the vaccines required to attend school in Nevada at www.immunizenevada.rg/NVSchoolRequirements. They 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 .

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.

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. For more information, visit ImmunizeNevada.org.

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