CONTACT: Mary Skau
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Visit Your Local Pharmacy to Send Your Children Back to School Protected from Serious Diseases

(July 31, 2017) — The first day of school is right around the corner. Now is the time to ensure your child is up-to-date on school-required vaccines. This year’s immunization rush will be busier than ever due to new immunization requirements for 7th grade students.

Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, all Nevada public and private school students enrolling in 7th grade will be required to receive one dose of the quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4 or MenACWY) among other requirements.

Fortunately, getting vaccinated is as easy as going grocery shopping. Save time and visit your local pharmacy to get your child vaccinated. You can also visit vaccinefinder.org, a free, online service where users can search for locations that offer immunizations including clinics, pharmacies, and health departments.

“Parents often miss work to stay home with their kids the first day of school because their child isn’t up-to-date on required immunizations,” said Heidi Parker, executive director at Immunize Nevada. “They often don’t realize they have an opportunity to get their child vaccinated while they’re already running errands at their local pharmacy.”

There are additional opportunities to get your child vaccinated and ready to start school on time. Visit us online and check out our calendar, and find the immunization event that works best for you. Many events offer vaccines that are low or reduced cost.

Upcoming Events and Immunization Health Fairs:

• August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). Immunizations represent one of the greatest public health accomplishments of the 20th century. Now is the perfect time to get the whole family vaccinated against vaccine-preventable disease.

• Give Kids A Boost Reno – Reno, NV. Saturday, August 5, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., 3925 Neil Road, Reno, NV 89502

• Low or no cost vaccines based on eligibility. Community organizations will be offering free health and safety services, including immunizations for children ages 4-18. Bring the family and don’t forget to bring your child’s immunization record!

• COX Communications Summerlin Mall Back to School Fair – Las Vegas, NV. Saturday, August 12, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., 1980 Festival Plaza Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89135

• No-cost school required immunizations available from Anthem Hills Pediatrics on a first come first served basis for uninsured & Medicaid eligible children ages 4 – 18. Immunizations available for purchase - first come, first served - for children ages 8-18 provided by Wal-Mart. Some private insurance plans accepted, call Wal-Mart Pharmacy at 702-367-6113 to confirm insurance plans accepted. (Medicaid & Culinary Plans not accepted for immunizations provided by Wal-Mart.) Please bring your child's immunization record and insurance card.

• Give Kids A Boost Las Vegas – Las Vegas, NV. Saturday, August 12, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., 280 S Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107

• Low or no cost vaccines based on eligibility. Community organizations will be offering free health and safety services, including immunizations for children ages 4-18. Bring the family and don’t forget to bring your child’s immunization record!

If you are unsure if your child has received MCV4 and other required school immunizations, save yourself a trip to the healthcare provider or pharmacy by visiting Nevada WebIZ - Nevada’s Statewide Immunization Information System.

If you need assistance accessing vaccines, visit the Nevada Vaccines for Children website to find a VFC provider near you. The Nevada Vaccines for Children Program (VFC) helps provide vaccines to children whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them. These vaccines protect babies, young children, and adolescents from a variety of diseases and is a benefit that’s available until your child turns 19.

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.

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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