Today, Governor Susana Martinez announced a statewide vaccination program to help make it convenient for parents to get their children immunized before they head back to class. From Aug. 1 to 15, Got Shots? Protect Tots! program will offer clinics throughout the state at convenient hours and at little or no cost. The Governor made the announcement at a public health office in Albuquerque and reminded parents about the importance of vaccinating their children before the new school year.
“While our kids are still on summer vacation, we need to make sure they are well-prepared to return to school healthy, strong, and ready to learn,” Governor Martinez said. “The Got Shots? Protect Tots! program helps New Mexicans protect their kids from dangerous, debilitating, and easily preventable diseases. Clinics around the state make it easy for kids to get their vaccines, especially for low-income families.”
Each year, the Department of Health works with partners for the annual Got Shots? Protect Tots!program. In addition to some Saturday clinics, some providers will offer vaccinations after 5 p.m. Participants should bring a copy of insurance or Medicaid cards, if available. However, if insurance or Medicaid is not available, vaccines will be free at all Public Health Clinics or provided at a low cost at participating private clinics.
To find a local participating clinic, visit the Department of Health’s website at nmhealth.org and click on the Got Shots? Protect Tots! banner, or call (866) 681-5872.
Parents are encouraged to check with their child’s doctor to find out which vaccines they need this year. During last year’s program, more than 5,700 vaccines were administered.
Vaccinations play a big role in keeping children healthy, and healthy children perform better in school. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that healthy students are better on all levels of academic achievement, including academic performance, education behavior and cognitive skills, and attitudes. Additionally, Governor Martinez signed legislation earlier this year that shores up funding for a statewide program that provides vaccines for children against life-threatening diseases.
This year’s partners in Got Shots? Protect Tots! include the New Mexico Primary Care Association and the New Mexico Immunization Coalition, and managed care organizations including Molina, United Healthcare, Presbyterian, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico.