Public Information Office
210 S. McDonald St. Suite 636
McKinney, TX  75069

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Leigh Hornsby, Public Information Officer
972-548-4772
publicrelations@collincountytx.gov

May 27, 2004

Public Service Announcement

Collin County to offer free childhood vaccinations

(McKinney, TX) - Collin County Health Care Services will offer a series of free childhood vaccination days this June in hopes of better preparing children and their parents for school this fall.

"We cannot stress enough how important it is for every child to get vaccinated on time," says Collin County Health Authority Dr. Muriel Marshall. "Immunizations not only protect your child, they also protect your community."

Collin County Health Care Services will offer free childhood immunizations through the Vaccine for Children program on Tuesday, June 15th, Tuesday, June 22nd and Tuesday, June 29th. The clinic will provide vaccinations from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. each of these days. The clinic is located at 825 N. McDonald Street, Suite 130, in McKinney. Parents will need to bring all vaccinations records.

Additionally, the Collin County Health Care Services "Care Van" will travel to Carnival Food Stores in Plano on Saturday, June 12th to promote the vaccination days. The Care Van will park outside the store, located on Avenue K at Parker from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Collin County Health Care Services nurses and staff will be available to answer immunization and general public health questions.

"We want our community to be well-informed about the importance of timely vaccinations, finishing the series of childhood vaccinations and the ramifications of not getting your children vaccinated," says Dr. Marshall.

"Each year, parents often wait until they receive a letter from school before they complete the proper vaccination series," says Collin County Health Care Services Director Candy Blair. "By offering free vaccinations in June, we hope to help eliminate a last-minute rush to the doctor."

For additional information about immunizations, please call 972-548-5500.

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