As many parents make their list of things to do to prepare for the first day back to school, it's important to not forget about vaccinations.
With only a week to go before he starts second grade, August Van Sickle and his sister Hazel are making the most out the time they have with their dad. Dad is having fun too. But he's he's also worrying about school shopping and if the kids' vaccinations are up-to-date.
"If it comes in the form of a shot, that might be a little scary," said their father Paul Van Sickle. "I get a little scared. But I when I watch my phone, I just forget about it," said August Van Sickle.
Paul Van Sickle says his family practitioner keeps their vaccinations up-to-date. For those who haven't been so careful, or who have come on hard times during the pandemic, Immunize Nevada is holding two vaccination clinics. One was held last Saturday, and one is coming up this Saturday.
Parents who have lost their jobs or lost their insurance because of that, there is free vaccination available. We just want parents to understand that is a program that we have," said Immunize Nevada Executive Director Heidi Parker.
WCSD requires seventh graders to get a meningitis shot. Childcare and preschoolers get shots for tetanus, pertussis, diphtheria, polio, hepatitis A and B, measles, mumps, chicken pox, and more. Kindergarten through 12th grade students have 18 vaccinations required, some in combined shots. "They need to be up to date. We know school looks different this year, but those vaccines are still important," said Parker.
August Van Sickle says he understands why this is important. "So I can learn more and be healthy," said Van Sickle.
The next vaccination clinic will be at the Boys and Girls Club of the Truckee Meadows William N. Pennington Facility on Foster Drive from 9 AM to 2 PM August 15,2020 by appointment only.
