Free back-to-school immunization clinics in Auburn for low-income families

Published on August 18, 2017

Placer County is partnering with two local medical providers to offer free back-to-school immunization clinics for children without access to vaccines.

Children who are uninsured or have Medi-Cal can attend clinics on the following dates:

Western Sierra Medical Clinic 
Wednesday, Aug. 30 from 2 - 5 p.m.
3111 Professional Drive, Auburn

Chapa-De Indian Health
Thursday, Aug. 31 from 2 - 5 p.m.
11670 Atwood Road, Auburn

Parents or guardians must attend the clinic with their child and provide the child’s immunization records.

The afternoon clinics will ensure children receive immunizations against potential life-threatening diseases as they return to school. Under state law, all children entering kindergarten or seventh grade must be fully immunized in order to attend school, preschool, a development center or family day care unless they have a medical exemption.

The immunization clinics are open to children of all ages. Western Sierra Medical Clinic is also accepting new patients, and will offer free, same-day health exams if parents establish care for their children at one of its two Auburn-area health centers.

The county is partnering with Western Sierra and Chapa-De on the effort to boost childhood immunizations and provide access to much-needed pediatric health care. Some health insurance plans have canceled contracts with providers in the region, causing families to scramble to find a new health provider. And many families have simply never found a primary care physician.

“Getting children off to a healthy start is among our top priorities. We have historically worked with the schools and counties where we operate to deliver services and fill in gaps where we can,” said Western Sierra CEO Scott McFarland. “Our doors are open and we provide quality care to people of all income levels, regardless of their ability to pay.”

Placer County’s Public Health division is offering the free immunizations through the Vaccines for Children Program. Vaccinations avoid or greatly reduce the chance of children contracting and spreading several serious diseases, including meningitis, mumps, measles, rubella and whooping cough.

“We are committed to ensuring that all children in the county who need vaccines are able to get immunized,” said Dr. Rob Oldham, the county’s health officer. “Vaccines not only protect the immunized child, but also the health of the entire community.”

About Western Sierra Medical Clinic
Western Sierra Medical Clinic provides comprehensive medical, dental and behavioral health care in Nevada and Sierra counties, and recently expanded to Placer County. Founded in 1975, Western Sierra emphasizes preventive care, education and empowering patients to make informed decisions. You can learn more about Western Sierra Medical Clinic at their website and on Facebook.

About Chapa-De Indian Health
Chapa-De is a nonprofit community outpatient health center with a mission to advance the health and well-being of American Indians and low-income individuals living in our communities by providing convenient access to high-quality, compassionate care. Chapa-De has clinics located in Auburn and Grass Valley. Learn more at their website and on Facebook.