COAST CITIES — In California, 2010 started out much like many others for the public health detectives who keep an eye on infectious diseases. But by the end of the year, 10 California babies were dead from whooping cough, also known as pertussis, a highly contagious disease that’s preventable by a vaccine, according to Kathleen Harriman, chief of the California Department of Public Health.It is time to be certain your child has the necessary immunizations to keep them safe when school begins. Students will not be allowed to attend school in the fall unless they have been immunized. For the safety of your child, its younger siblings and the children they come in contact with, it is important that immunizations be current.
The Vista Community Clinic Wellness Center is ready now to assist with immunization needs for school registration requirements, including the Tdap vaccine. A new law began July of 2011 which requires students grades seven-through-12 to be immunized with the Tdap vaccine. Tdap vaccinates against tetanus, diptheria and pertussis (whooping cough).
Immunizations are available at the Vista Community Clinic Wellness Center at 1000 Vale Terrace in Vista, Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on a walk-in basis only. Please bring your immunization record. Other vaccines may be needed in addition to the Tdap vaccine.
Vaccine Costs depend on your insurance status. If you are uninsured, Vista Community Clinic has a sliding fee scale. If you are covered by Medi-Cal/Healthy Families the vaccine is free. For those with other insurance it depends on your coverage, but Vista Community Clinic must be listed as your provider. Call us for more information at 1 (760) 631-5000, ext. 0.
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