In celebration of National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW), April 24 to May 1, officials with the City of El Paso announced that they are offering free vaccines to eligible children 5 years of age and younger.
“There has been a decline of 65,723 vaccine doses administered in El Paso, this is a significant decrease that is detrimental to the health of children in our community,” city health officials shared. “Families and health officials must work together to protect the entire community.”
Set for Wednesday, April 28, NIIW is an annual event that promotes the benefits of immunizations to improve the health of children and highlights the importance of protecting infants and young children from preventable diseases.
Officials say that this year, a primary focus is to ensure families stay on track of their children’s medical visits and routinely recommended vaccinations, even during the pandemic; to that end, their stated goals are:
- Raise awareness of the importance of vaccines
- Expand immunization coverage
- Promote national and cross-border activities in joint efforts to prevent disease and save lives
The Department of Public Health is offering free immunizations vaccines for children who meet one of the following Texas Vaccines for Children guidelines:
- Enrolled in Medicaid
- Uninsured (child with no health insurance coverage)
- American Indian or Alaskan Native
- Enrolled in CHIPÂ (El Paso Health only)
- Underinsured (child with no insurance coverage for vaccinations or only partial coverage)
Vaccines are available by appointment only at (915) 212-6555 and offered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the following locations:
- Ysleta Health Center (110 Candelaria Rd.)
- El Paso Immunization Clinic (5115 El Paso Dr.)
The following vaccines are available to eligible children 5 years and under:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus and Acellular Pertussis (DTaP)
- Diphtheria Tetanus (DT)
- Haemophilus Influenza (Hib)
- Hepatitis A (HepA)
- Hepatitis B (HepB)
- Influenza (IIV)
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
- Pneumococcal 13-Valent Conjugate (PCV13)
- Polio (IPV)
- Rotavirus (RV)
- Varicella (VAR)
For more information on the Department of Public Health services and health screenings visit EPHealth.com under the Services Tab Immunizations or call 2-1-1.
