Annual Reno Give Kids a Boost Health and Safety Fairs Offer Free Back to School Immunizations

Reno, Nev. (July 27, 2015)— Parents are encouraged to take advantage of free back-to-school immunizations for children 4 through 18 years old, along with health, safety and wellness resources from more than 30 organizations at two upcoming Give Kids a Boost: Sun Valley Health and Safety Fair events.

The first event takes place Saturday, August 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sun Valley Neighborhood Center, 115 West 6th Ave.

The second event takes place Saturday, August 8 at the Boys & Girls Club Pennington Facility from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

“We would love parents to take advantage of this no-cost opportunity to get their children all school-required immunizations,” said Heidi Parker, Immunize Nevada Executive Director. “There are several immunizations required for kindergarten entry, as well as a Tdap booster for anyone entering 7th grade.”

In addition to immunizations, booster seats from REMSA's Point of Impact program will distribute booster seats to eligible kids (at least 40 pounds and 4+ years old) on a first-come, first-served basis.  Families can also participate in hands-on health, safety and educational activities offered by nearly 30 community organizations.

“Give Kids a Boost really serves as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for families to connect with vital community resources,” adds Parker.

The Rotary Club of Reno Sunrise began Give Kids a Boost in 2008 to provide a convenient family event to ‘boost’ children’s safety, health, safety, development and literacy by bringing services to one location. Since its inception, thousands of families have benefited from the dozens of free resources available each year.

Organizations or people interested volunteering at the fair can receive additional information by contacting Kara Housby at or e-mail .  Vaccines will be available on a first come, first serve basis while vaccine supplies last. A $20 donation is requested to cover the cost of the vaccine, however no one will be turned away due to inability to pay. Those with insurance, including Nevada Checkup and Medicaid, should bring their cards.

Special thanks to the sponsors of both of these events, including: Amerigroup, Renown Health and Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center. 

Presenting partners include: Immunize Nevada, Nevada State Immunization Program, Safe Kids Washoe County, Sun Valley Family Resource Center, Sun Valley General Improvement District and Washoe County Health District.

Nevada’s School Immunization Requirements: http://health.nv.gov/Immunization_SchoolRequirements.htm

Parents can access online immunization records at the Nevada Web IZ Public Portal: http://www.izrecord.nv.gov  

Immunize Nevada advocates for and educates about the benefits of vaccines and fosters statewide collaboration to achieve Nevada’s health priorities. Immunize Nevada’s vision is for healthy communities across Nevada being protected from vaccine-preventable disease. For more information, visit ImmunizeNevada.org.

 

News category: