Free Shots Ensure a Healthy School Year

By Carman Williams, Weatherford Democrat, Texas

Aug. 6–For the second year, Weatherford’s Campbell Clinic will give free immunization shots as children and parents begin the back-to-school rush.

From 8 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday, any Parker County resident from infants to college students may go to the clinic to receive state-required shots. No reservation is needed, but patients or their parents will be asked to fill out a few forms and must bring their current shot records.

Kathleen Durham, the clinic’s marketing director, said the program is a natural off-shoot of Campbell Clinic’s other community services.

“It seemed like a perfect fit,” she said. “What better way to service the community? There are a lot of families who fall between the cracks — they make too much money for government help, but not enough to pay for insurance.

“There were so many people whose children wouldn’t be able to go to school because they didn’t have their immunizations and their parents couldn’t afford to take them to the doctor.”

Shots will be administered by clinic nurses, as well as three physicians’ assistants and one physician. Sports physicals are also available, making the clinic a “one-stop shop” for busy parents.

Last year, Durham said almost 180 local students were immunized.

Weatherford ISD, like other Texas districts, follows set guidelines determining what shots students must have at a certain age.

Proof of vaccinations is required before the first day of class, and secondary schools will withhold the student’s class schedule if the records are not provided. Campbell Clinic will administer all the shots required by the state for schools and child care facilities.

“It’s our responsibility as parents to make sure our children are ready to go back to school,” Durham said, encouraging parents to have their children immunized.

The shots will be given at 250 E. Anderson St., Suite B.

Information about state-required vaccination is available at www.dshs.state.tx.us /immunize/public.shtm.

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Copyright (c) 2008, Weatherford Democrat, Texas

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