Event aims to keep kids healthy

Published 07/22/04
Texas City Sun
By Laura Huchzermeyer

La Marque - The Galveston County Health District will offer much more than just a shot in the arm during a special back-to-school immunization clinic beginning next week in La Marque.

The clinic, called Kids Health Fest, will combine the often dreaded chore of receiving childhood immunizations with fun activities such as face painting, book give aways, refreshments and appearances by clowns and the Tooth Fairy.

"It's something both parents and children dread - standing in line and getting caught up with their immunizations," said June Gonzalez, a registered nurse and manager of the of the Galveston County Health District immunization program. "We are trying to give them something to look forward to and take their minds off something that can be a little scary."

Kurt Koopmann, spokesman for the health district, said making sure your child has up-to-date vaccinations before starting the new school year could be a potentially life-saving gesture. Immunizations help prevent children from contracting and spreading harmful diseases such as meningitis, measles, polio, hepatitis and tetanus. However, Koopmann said, a small percentage of school age children in Galveston County slip through the cracks and do not ever receive their required immunizations before entering school, putting themselves and those around them at risk.

"It's always important to protect your child, and by receiving immunizations, you also protect other children," he said. "Through efforts like this, we strive to increase the immunization rate in Galveston County to 90 percent."

Kids Health Fest, held in conjunction with National Immunization Awareness Month, will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 26 through Aug. 17 at the health district offices in La Marque at 1207 Oak St. In order to serve a larger number of patients and have extra room for festival activities, the Kids Health Fest will take the place of immunization clinics which are normally in Dickinson and Texas City. Galveston residents may still receive immunizations at the Galveston Clinic at the Island Community Center at 4700 Broadway.

"We are trying to make a concentrated effort," Koopmann said. "We want this to be easy for the parents and an experience children don't want to avoid."

Appointments are not necessary during Kids Health Fest, but children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The cost for each immunization is $5, but Koopmann said no one will be turned away if they are unable to pay.

For more information call, (409) 938-2244.

Read the press release