Children’s Health Fair Offers Free Immunizations
In the Western Hemisphere, only Haiti has a worse immunization rate than the United States, state health officials say. In California, about 60% of 2-year-old children are immunized, compared with the worldwide average of 80%.
On Friday, Good Samaritan Hospital, on Wilshire Boulevard just west of downtown, will do its share to improve that rate by hosting its third annual free health fair for children from 1 to 5 p.m.
At last year’s fair, 350 children were immunized against measles, rubella, hepatitis B, mumps, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and chickenpox. Good Samaritan spokeswoman Hind Baki said she expects this year’s fair to easily exceed that.
Children from 2 months to 18 years old will also be able to get medical, dental, eye and hearing examinations.
The hospital has arranged for Lucas Avenue between Wilshire Boulevard and 6th Street to be closed and children entertained with clowns, a petting zoo featuring llamas and lambs, and gift bags stuffed with T-shirts, coloring books, and toys.
Parents who cannot take their children to Friday’s event may call (800) 870-KIDS for information about other children’s health fairs going on this weekend throughout Southern California.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
