NM Health Department offers free immunization clinics in Las Cruces

Dozens of Las Cruces children received free shots as part of the New Mexico Health Department’s “Protect Tots. Got Shots?” campaign Thursday.

Instead of a boring and medical setting, the first of three immunization clinics was held at the Cineport 10 Theater inside the Mesilla Valley Mall.

“It’s important because it keeps the kids healthy and it keeps them safe,” said Jasmine Romero, a mother of six. “This just made it rally easy because they got everything they needed … and now they can start school with no problem.

This is the fifth year Cineport 10 has hosted the immunization clinics. The next clinic will be from 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 11, and another will be held at the same time Aug. 12. They are free and open to the public.

The immunizations are for children 18 years and younger, and are required for children attending day care and school. If a student’s immunization records are not up to date, students must show proof they are in the process of updating their shot records in order to enroll in school. Classes in the Las Cruces Public Schools district begin Monday.

The clinics offer shots for polio, HPV, meningitis, measles, mumps, tetanus, whooping cough and hepatitis A and B. Last year more than more than 200 children received about 500 shots.

If you attend, make sure to bring a copy of you child’s shot record, medicaid or private health insurance card if they have one.