By Philip Haldiman

arizona daily star

Tucson, Arizona | Published: 07.09.2008

Believe it or not, school is just around the corner, which could mean immunization time for many Tucson children.

No worries. There are a number of opportunities throughout Tucson for free immunizations before school starts.

Food City and El Rio Community Health Center are partnering to offer free immunizations for people ages 4 to 18. The CARE Fair also is offering free immunizations, and the Pima County Health Department holds regular walk-in clinics for free MMR — measles, mumps and rubella — immunizations throughout the city.

When enrolling their students for school, parents often forget about new immunizations being required until the school nurse notifies them, said Brenda Goldsmith, El Rio Health Center Foundation's executive director. But by then it's too late, she said — children aren't allowed back in school until the shots are received.

"Many people have very limited resources for transportation and are often working multiple jobs. It's imperative that we offer options that are convenient, in the areas that families are familiar with, so issues like transportation and time do not become barriers," she said.

More than 400 kids were immunized the year El Rio's program started, in 2006. The number increased to 565 last year, and, due to increased demand, an extra clinic has been added this year.

Shot records and a parent or guardian must be present for all clinics.

El Rio's clinics will be held at the following times and Food City locations:

● Thursday, July 24, 1:30-3:30 p.m., 428 W. Valencia Road.

● Saturday, July 26, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 2950 S. Sixth Ave.

● Thursday, July 31, 1:30-3:30 p.m., 1221 W. Irvington Road.

● Saturday, Aug. 2, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 2000 E. Irvington Road.

For more information, call 205-4947

The CARE Fair is an annual health and safety event that offers a number of back-to-school services from sports physicals to child care, including immunizations. The event is free; however, some agencies have eligibility requirements.

The fair will take place at Sunnyside High School, 1725 E. Bilby Road, on:

● Friday, July 18, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

● Saturday, July 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, call 545-5300.

The Pima County Health Department offers immunizations to people age 18 and younger.

MMR vaccinations are administered for free, and some clinics offer free measles shots.

For more information, call 243-7797. Go online to www.pimahealth.org/immunizations/index.html#childimmune for a list of clinics that offer free services.

● Contact reporter Philip Haldiman at 573-4176 or at phaldiman@azstarnet.com.