Parkland offers school immunizations at 'Walk-in Wednesday' clinics

DALLAS – Parkland Health & Hospital System is offering back-to-school vaccinations for children during August at “Walk-in Wednesdays” at Parkland Community Oriented Primary Care (COPC) health centers throughout the Dallas County area. For children enrolled in a school in Dallas Independent School District, Parkland’s Youth & Family Centers will also offer immunizations in August.

“Vaccines are not just a personal protection; they protect the community at large. By receiving a vaccination, you are helping to protect those around you from communicable diseases,” said Jessica Hernandez, Parkland’s senior vice president of operations, COPC.

Parents can bring their children for vaccinations to a Parkland COPC health center any Wednesday in August between 8 and 11 a.m. or 1 to 4 p.m. without an appointment. Parents can also call 214.266.4000 to schedule an appointment time that is convenient.

Children in Texas are required to have been vaccinated for nine communicable diseases before entering kindergarten through 12th grades. The required vaccinations are: Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis; Polio; Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR); Hepatitis B; Varicella; Meningococcal; and Hepatitis A. Children in day care must also be vaccinated. And don’t forget about older children – especially those in 7th and 8th grades – who may need new or booster shots. Parkland recommends and provides the HPV (human papilloma vaccine) for this age group, as well.

Parkland accepts Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP and most major insurance plans. If you do not have insurance, Parkland can provide financial screening to determine if patients qualify for some kind of aid.

To find the Parkland COPC health center nearest you, please visit www.parklandhospital.com. To schedule an appointment for your child at a COPC health center, please call 214.266.4000. To schedule an appointment at a Parkland Youth & Family Center, please call 214.266.1257.