Immunization Clinics Set for Start of School

Before children can be admitted to school or day care for the first time, they must have up-to-date immunizations for polio, measles, mumps, rubella and other illnesses, according to the Ventura County health officer.

“Diseases like measles spread rapidly, so it is important that children be protected before they face potential exposure in a school or day care,” said Health Officer Gary Feldman.

By state law, schools and day care centers cannot admit children with incomplete or missing immunization records.

Those records detail which shots a child has received and when the shot was administered. Immunizations typically begin at birth or when a child is 2 or 3 years old. Boosters are often required before youngsters enter kindergarten.

California law requires children to be immunized against polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella and a particular type of influenza. Although a hepatitis B shot will not be mandated by law until next August, Feldman recommends it as well.

“If you are not certain that your child has had all the required immunizations, contact your doctor or clinic now,” Feldman said.

Whether a child needs one shot or four, the immunizations cost no more than $5 per child. That fee is waived for families that cannot afford it.

“We don’t want any child to go without immunizations,” said Lin Glusac, who coordinates the immunization program for the county public health department.

Immunization clinics run between 9 a.m. and noon and 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on the following days at area clinics:

* Weekdays at Oxnard Public Health Center, Centerpoint Mall, Suite D, 2500 South C St., (805) 385-8652.

* Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Simi Valley Multi-Service Center, 2003 Royal Ave., (805) 584-4887.

* Weekdays at the Ventura Public Health Center, 3174 Loma Vista Road, (805) 652-5928.

Parents seeking immunization for their children at the clinics must bring previous immunization records.