Free Back-to-School Immunizations in Irving and Dallas

Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) is offering families eligible for the Texas Vaccines for Children (TVFC) program an opportunity to get free back-to-school shots. DCHHS will open its immunization clinic on Saturday, August 15 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The clinic is located on the first floor of the DCHHS building at 2377 N. Stemmons Frwy. in Dallas. Parents must bring their child’s vaccination records. Appointments aren’t necessary.

“Preparing to go back to school is a great time to catch up on vaccinations,” said Dr. Christopher Perkins, DCHHS medical director/health authority. “However, we urge all parents to make sure their children are up to date on vaccinations at all times.”

Dallas County residents from birth to age 18 in the following categories are eligible to receive free immunizations on August 15 under the TVFC program:

• Medicaid eligible

• Uninsured: a child who has no health insurance coverage
• American Indian or Alaskan Native
• Enrolled in CHIP
• Underinsured (as defined by the Texas Department of State Health Services): a child who has commercial (private) health insurance, but coverage does not include vaccines; a child whose insurance covers only selected vaccines (TVFC-eligible for non-covered vaccines only); or a child whose insurance caps vaccine coverage at a certain amount. Once that coverage amount is reached, the child is categorized as underinsured). Insured children with vaccine coverage who have high copays or deductibles are no longer considered underinsured. These children are now considered fully, privately insured and are no longer eligible for TVFC vaccines.

“This is a great opportunity for families to bring their children in, but we also we encourage them to take advantage of low cost vaccinations at our clinics in the community,” said Zachary Thompson, DCHHS director.

DCHHS has six clinics open Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Clinic hours may be adjusted due to high volume. The cost for TVFC-eligible children is $10 for the child’s first visit and $5 for returning patients. Waivers are given to families in need.

More information about vaccinations is available on the DCHHS website: www.dallascounty.org/hhs.