Health Centers Offer Free Immunizations for Toddlers
Free toddler immunization clinics will be held this month at Los Angeles County health centers, where vaccinations are provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.
The immunization clinics are part of a local and nationwide effort to protect children from contagious and potentially fatal illnesses such as measles. The May immunization campaign is especially aimed at toddlers because vaccination rates nationwide drop off sharply after the first year of life.
A survey in Los Angeles found that toddlers, on average, are six to 12 months overdue in receiving immunizations required during the second year of life, and that some children do not get them until they enter school. Many parents don’t realize that toddlers need shots to complete the immunizing effect of vaccination given during the first year of life, according to Dr. Laurene Mascola, the health department’s chief of communicable disease control.
To schedule an immunization appointment, parents can call their local county health center or 1-800-427-8700. Assistance is provided in English and Spanish.
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