Get Healthy Carson City: Childhood immunization clinic to be offered

This column appears in the Nevada Appeal Wednesday health pages. It aaddresses topics related to the health of our community.

In support of the second annual Early Childhood Expo at the Boys and Girls Clubs, Carson City Health and Human Services is offering a Childhood Immunization Clinic from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Health Department Clinic, 900 E. Long St. Health department nurses will be on hand to provide children with all pediatric vaccines.

Parents who wish to have their child vaccinated should bring their child’s shot record and their insurance card, if they have one. The clinic accepts Medicaid and most private insurances. Immunizations will be provided on a walk-in basis, so there’s no need to make an appointment.

The Childhood Health Expo and vaccination clinic are geared toward young children; however, Saturday’s event also offers a valuable opportunity for school-age children in need of vaccinations to be allowed to remain in school. Those who are in need of required school vaccinations can also come to the clinic Saturday.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaccination is safe and effective. Vaccines are only given to children after careful review by scientists, doctors and healthcare professionals. Vaccine side effects are almost always mild, such as redness or swelling at the site of the shot, but this is minimal compared to the pain, discomfort, and risk of injury and death from the diseases these vaccines prevent. Serious side effects following vaccination, such as severe allergic reaction, are rare. The disease-prevention benefits of getting vaccinated are much greater than the possible side effects for almost all children. Margaret Holloway, a Nurse Practitioner at Carson City Health and Human Services, encourages parents to have their children vaccinated.

“Vaccines are so important to keep kids from getting sick. No one wants to see children suffer with preventable illness,” Holloway said. Additionally, vaccines can help to ensure kids don’t have to miss school because they’re sick, and parents won’t have to take that time off work.

While the Vaccine Clinic will take place at the Health Department, the Childhood Expo will take place nearby at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Nevada at 1870 Russell Way. This free community event is sponsored by the Carson City School District and the Carson City Early Childhood Advisory. Vendors will offer resources for parents, raffles and giveaways, food, and entertainment and activities for young children. Clifford the Big Red Dog and Curious George will be there to visit kids and take photos. Additionally, free transportation to the event will be offered by JAC buses.

For more information about Saturday’s immunization clinic or other Health Department services, check out our website at www.gethealthycarsoncity.org or “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CCHHS.