Protect your children from vaccine-preventable illness

SPOKANE, Wash. –  Aug 23, 2011 – To the dismay of many area children, the end of summer break is right around the corner, which means it’s time to get ready for school. And with recent outbreaks of measles, whooping cough, influenza, and chickenpox nearby, at the top of every parent’s back-to-school list should be ensuring children are fully immunized. 

Childhood vaccination is the most effective way to protect children against serious, preventable illnesses — some of which have no cure or treatment. Parents should use the next several weeks to ensure kids have all the immunizations they need. 

"Buying new shoes, hunting down school supplies—important steps to prepare for the new school year—but getting your kids immunized should be considered first and foremost on your list,” said Dr. Joel McCullough, health officer for the Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD). "Be sure kids’ immunizations are up-to-date — it protects them, their classmates, their families and our community." 

Parents can schedule their kids’ immunizations with the Spokane Regional Health District by calling the Public Health Clinic at (509) 324-1600. SRHD, in partnership with the Group Health Foundation and Empire Health Foundation, also offers these FREE walk-in school immunization clinics:  

• 8/23/2011 – Arlington Elementary, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
• 8/25/2011 – Shiloh Hills Elementary, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• 8/29/2011 – Farwell Elementary, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• 8/30/2011 – Madison Elementary, 2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• 8/31/2011 – Arthur Ness Elementary, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• 9/01/2011 – Centennial Middle School, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• 9/20/2011 – Farwell Elementary, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• 9/22/2010 – Shiloh Hills Elementary, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

For more information about childhood immunizations or SRHD free clinics, please visit www.protectyours.org. More information is available at www.srhd.org. SRHD’s website offers comprehensive, updated information about Spokane Regional Health District and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community.