Updated 7/27/2012
FLORENCE, AZ – Each year, thousands of children become ill from diseases that could have been prevented by basic childhood immunizations.  Countless more miss time from day care and school because they are under-immunized or inappropriately immunized.
 
Immunizations are available at no charge for children and teens 18 and under.  Pinal County Public Health Services District will be hosting Back-to-School Immunization walk-in clinics on the following days in July and August:
 
Casa Grande – 820 East Cottonwood Lane, Building E – Monday through Saturday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
 
San Tan Valley – 36235 N. Gantzel Road – Monday through Thursday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
 
Maricopa – 41600 W. Smith-Enke Road, Bldg. 15 – Tuesday through Friday 8:00am to 6:00 pm
 
Apache Junction - 575 North Idaho Road, Suite 301 – Wednesday through Saturday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
 
Kearny – 355 Alden Road – 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
 
Oracle – 1870 West American Avenue – 4th Wednesday of the month 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
 
Mammoth – 110 Main Street – Thursdays through Saturdays 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
 
Superior – 60 East Main Street – 2nd Wednesday of the month 8:00 am to 6:00pm
 
Coolidge – 119 West Central – Thursdays & Fridays 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
 
Eloy – 302 East 5th Street - Tuesdays & Wednesdays 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
 
Please be advised all clinics will be closed on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 and Tuesday, August 7, 2012 for staff training.
 
Required school immunizations are provided at no cost to you.  Please bring immunization records for your child or children with you.  There will be no questions regarding residency status as proof of residency is not required.  The goal is to vaccinate every child to prevent childhood diseases.
 
“A fully vaccinated child is protected against 14 serious and sometimes deadly diseases,” said Tom Schryer, Pinal County Public Health Director.  “These are diseases that are completely preventable with immunizations.  We urge all Pinal County families to ensure that their children are up-to-date on immunizations.”
 
Please do not miss this opportunity to have your children vaccinated before school starts!
 
For more information or to find a public health clinic near you to ensure that your child receives the proper immunizations before school begins, please call 1-866-960-0633.
 
Facts about childhood immunizations:

• Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes - Title 15 Education - Section 15-872, a child shall not be allowed to attend school without submitting documentary proof of immunizations to the school administrator unless the child is exempted from immunization. 
• Infants are the most vulnerable population when it comes to infectious diseases.  It is critical to protect them through proper immunization. 
• A high vaccination rate among children reduces the chance of an epidemic, thus playing a critical role in safeguarding public health not only on a local level but globally as well. 
• Pinal County Public Health and other healthcare providers are an excellent source for understanding what immunizations a child needs for school entry. 
• Vaccine safety is at an all-time high.  Vaccines are rigorously tested before placed on the open market.  Several agencies, including the CDC and Pinal County Public Health monitor the safety of vaccines. 
• It is important that healthcare providers and parents share the responsibility for making sure a child is fully immunized by the age of two.