San Juan Basin Health Department is providing an opportunity for parents to get their children up to date on immunizations before school begins.

A Back-to-School Immunization Day will take place Monday, Aug. 16, at the Pagosa Springs office, 502 S. 8th Street. Parents need to make an appointment by calling 264-2409, Ext. 213.

Immunizations are an important part of a child’s health care, and Colorado law requires that children going to school be vaccinated to prevent vaccine preventable disease. Parents should have received a letter in the spring from the State of Colorado explaining which vaccines student are required to have in order to attend a Colorado school in the 2010-11 school year. You can read this letter at the health department website: www.sjbhd.org/immunizations. Or call 264-2409, Ext. 213, if you have questions or need more information regarding these requirements.

Bring your child’s immunization record to your appointment. The health department accepts Medicaid, CHP+, and Rocky Mountain HMO insurance. Remember to bring your child’s insurance card, as they are required at time of service.

San Juan Basin Health charges a minimal fee of $14.70 per immunization. However, if a family cannot afford to pay, we will still provide the necessary immunizations.