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The City of El Paso Public Health Department is celebrating National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) in the community by offering free vaccines on Wednesday May 1, 2019 to Texas Vaccines for Children (TVFC) eligible infants and children birth to 2 years old.

Public health officials say the observance of NIIW is a great opportunity for local healthcare providers to increase community awareness and to promote the importance of immunizations against Measles and other illnesses as the first level of prevention to stop the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.

They stress that it is exceptionally vital to recognize the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases.

“We are generally in a safe position in El Paso in regards to our herd immunity against Measles, but we can do better. Infants are especially vulnerable to Measles since they do not get their first vaccination until they’re a year old.  For that reason, it is very important to vaccinate babies on time, to protect them from serious diseases,” said Dr. Hector Ocaranza, City/County Health Authority.

As of April 11, 2019, there have been 555 confirmed cases of measles in the United States and 15 of those confirmed cases are in Texas.  Measles is a highly contagious respiratory viral illness spread by contact with an infected person through sneezing or coughing that can cause serious complications in some infected children.

Additionally, it is one of many diseases being addressed as a part of National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) this year.

TVFC eligibility is as follows:

• Enrolled in Medicaid
• Uninsured:  a child who has no health insurance coverage
• American Indian or Alaskan Native
• Enrolled in CHIP (El Paso Health only)
• Underinsured: a child with no insurance coverage for vaccinations or only partial coverage

Vaccines will be offered on a first come/first served basis at our Ysleta Clinic: 110 Candelaria Road and at our Henderson Clinic: 721 S. Mesa Street. Hours of operation are from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with the last patients seen at 5:00 p.m.

Clinic staff will see both scheduled patients and walk-ins. For information please contact our appointment line at 915-212-6555.

This is the 25^th anniversary of NIIW.

The El Paso Fire Department is encouraging the community to take advantage of the Vaccinations for Health program, and to that end, they have extended the program through February.

Via a news release EPFD officials shared, “As the flu season still in full force and the number of flu cases for this year on the rise, the Fire Department is extending the program by adding additional dates on February.”

Vaccinations for Health provides free blood pressure and glucose screenings to patients of any age, free flu vaccines to patients 18 and older, and free pneumonia vaccines to those 65 and older.

“The EPFD would like to remind everyone that the vaccinations and health screenings service is free to residents of El Paso and Hudspeth County that do not have medical insurance or are on Medicaid,” fire officials added.

According to the El Paso Department of Public Health, as of the third week of January, the number of flu cases in El Paso is 661; compared to 1,540 at the same time last season.  And just last week, the death of an elderly woman brought the number of flu-related deaths in the area so far this season to three.

Wednesday, February 6: EPFD Safety, Health, and Outreach Center, 5415 Trowbridge Dr. from 1:00PM to 5:00PM

Tuesday, February 13: Wellington Chew Senior Center, 4430 Maxwell Ave. from 9:00AM to 1:00PM.

Wednesday, February 20: EPFD Safety, Health, and Outreach Center, 5415 Trowbridge Dr. from 1:00PM to 4:30PM

Wednesday, February 27: EPFD Safety, Health, and Outreach Center, 5415 Trowbridge Dr. from 1:00PM to 5:00PM

In addition to the flu vaccine, public health officials remind the public to practice the four C’s in order to help reduce the incidence of infection.

1. CLEAN – Wash your hands often. Scrub your hands for at least 30 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
2. COVER – Cover your cough. Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Don’t have a tissue? The crook of your elbow will do.
3. CONTAIN – Contain germs by steering clear of others who are sick. If you do get sick, stay home until you’re well again, so you don’t spread more germs.
4. CALL – Call or see your doctor if you or your child has a fever greater than 100 degrees.

For more information about the vaccination clinics, residents are encouraged to call 3-1-1 or visit their website or the same site in Spanish.

To learn more about flu prevention, flu surveillance and additional health resources, visit the City of El Paso Department of Public Health websites at ephealth.com and epsalud.com​.

Starting Monday, Immunize El Paso will be providing free immunizations to all newborn and infant children less than one year old who qualify under the Texas Vaccines for Children Program.

“National Infant Immunization Week provides a valuable opportunity for our community to tell people how important it is for children to be vaccinated,” said Dusty Warden, Outreach Coordinator for Immunize El Paso. “Childhood vaccinations are one of the best ways for parents to protect their children against vaccine-preventable diseases.

The non-profit clinic joins an international effort to increase immunization rates and protect vulnerable children from vaccine preventable diseases, regardless of residency status or financial class.

The immunization campaign will kick off during IZEP’s new Saturday clinics, open from 9am to 12noon and continue throughout the week. Immunizations are available on a walk-in basis, never a need for an appointment.

For more information on Immunize El Paso or vaccines, visit their website or call 915-533-3414.

Central El Paso:                                                                                           

San Juan Clinic

6292 Trowbridge, 79905

Monday through Friday 8AM – 5PM

Saturday: 9AM – 12 Noon

Phone – 915-533-3414

East El Paso:                                                                                                

1580 George Dieter, Ste 103, 79936

Monday through Friday: 8AM – 5PM

Saturday: 9AM – 12 Noon

Phone – 915-857-2474