2 Local Sites to Offer Children’s Health Fair

Two San Fernando Valley locations are among 33 sites in five Southern California counties where kids can receive free immunizations and health screenings this weekend.

The shots are part of the American Red Cross’ ninth annual Kids Care Fair.

Medical professionals at Northeast Valley Health Corp.’s Pacoima Family Health Center and the YWCA’s North Valley office in San Fernando will offer immunizations for children 2 months to 18 years old. Six health screenings will be available.

The purpose of the fair is to give all families a chance at full health exams, Red Cross spokesman Rick Radillo said.

“Each year, Kids Care is taken advantage of by families with and without health insurance. For many it’s their only chance at an annual checkup.”

Vaccines to fight diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, meningitis, hepatitis B, measles, mumps and rubella will be available this weekend in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties,

A chickenpox vaccine will be available at select sites, including Pacoima. Both the Pacoima and San Fernando sites will offer free tuberculosis screenings.

A new California law requires seventh-graders attending public and private schools to have had three hepatitis B shots by July 1, 1999. The fair is a good opportunity for children to get them, Radillo said.

Screenings include taking height and weight measurements, blood pressure and dental exams, family health reviews and vision checks.

If possible, parents should bring their child’s previous immunization records.

The Pacoima Family Health Center, 12756 Van Nuys Blvd., will host the fair Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The YWCA, 1200 N. Maclay Ave., will hold the fair Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For information on other locations, call the Kids Care Fair hotline at (800) 870-5437.