Childhood Immunization Week April 8-15

Nevada hospitals are joining with state and local immunization authorities, community groups and businesses to present a statewide Childhood Immunization Week April 8-15. This is the third year this coalition has highlighted the importance of immunization.

The goals are two-fold:

- Provide an event for Nevada's children aged birth to 2 years to obtain free vaccinations at numerous locations statewide in conjunction with statewide promotional and educational campaign.

- Educate parents about the importance of completing immunizations series and of keeping immunizations records for their children.

Last year statewide, 20 clinics were held, 13 hospitals participated and 716 children were helped with 1,968 vaccinations. In the Reno-Sparks area, 404 children and adults received immunizations - a rise of 8.3 percent from the previous year.

Three free clinics are taking place April 15 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Saint Mary's Nell J. Redfield Clinic at Miguel Ribera park, 3905 Neil Road, Reno; the Sparks Fire Department, 1605 Victorian Ave., Sparks and inside the Carson Mall Shopping Center, 1313 S. Carson St., Carson City. Vaccines are given free of charge to infants, toddlers, school-age children and adolescents.

Immunization clinics are planned in 13 locations around the state during the week of April 9-15, including Carson City and Fallon.

For information, call Pamela Andres at the Nevada Hospital Association, (775)827-0184 or Email pam@NHA.org.