With summer vacation winding down and the start of another school year coming soon, this is a great time to be sure your children are current on their vaccines. On Saturday, Aug. 3, and as a part of National Immunization Awareness Month, El Paso County Public Health will hold a free vaccine clinic for eligible children at the 2019 Back-to-School Summerfest.

  • What: Back-to-School Summerfest
  • When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019
  • Where: Mission Trace Shopping Center, 3031 S. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO
  • Partnerships: El Paso County Public Health, the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region, Harrison School District 2 and the City of Colorado Springs.

“This event is a great, convenient opportunity for parents to get their kids vaccinated before they head back to school,” said Kristi Durbin, the immunization program manager for El Paso County Public Health. “Vaccines provide a safe and effective tool that people can use to prevent the spread of disease. Assuring that children are up to date with recommended immunizations protects them and helps keep them, their friends and their classmates healthy. By vaccinating our children, we are protecting our families and our entire community. “

Children eligible for free vaccines are those who have CHP+, Medicaid, no insurance, or whose insurance does not cover vaccines. The clinic will offer most required and recommended vaccinations for children ages four through 18 while supplies last. Vaccine records are required. Additionally, a Medicaid or CHP+ card is required for those who are on Medicaid or CHP+. A parent or guardian with a photo ID must be present for the vaccines to be administered.

El Paso County Public Health has been a partner since the Summerfest began in 2015.

National Immunization Awareness Month is an annual observance held in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. Communities across the country use the month each year to raise awareness about the important role vaccines play in preventing serious, sometimes deadly, diseases.