Childhood immunizations provide the most benefit to cost of all services provided at El Rio.

Preventing childhood morbidity and mortality through immunizations is on the same public health-scale as providing safe drinking water to the public. Early prevention, screening diagnosis, and treatment afforded at well child visits contribute to the life expectancy and quality of life for children with severe conditions such as congenital hyperthyroidism, developmental delay, poor vision, and asthma. In the areas served by El Rio nearly 1 in 2 children live in or near poverty. This factor complicates access to early childhood medical care with barriers related to money, education, transportation, and language.

Currently El Rio Community Health Center physicians and nurses regularly receive updates on current immunization guidelines. Our immunization nurse sends reminders to parents whose children are due vaccines. Free immunization clinics are available to registered El Rio pediatric patients who are behind on their needed immunizations. Clinics are held from 1-4pm Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Pediatric Clinic at 839 W. Congress Street, 8-11am Wednesdays and Fridays at the Southwest Pediatric Clinic at 1500 W. Commerce Court, and 1:30pm-3:30pm Tuesdays at the Northwest Clinic 320 W. Prince Rd.

El Rio Community Health Center’s Immunization Service Program participates with the Arizona State Immunization Information System and the National Vaccine for Children Program. El Rio’s immunization program has won 3 awards from the Arizona Partnership for Immunization. By providing effective early prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment services to children in or near poverty El Rio helps establish a healthy start to kids who will represent a significant portion of the future workforce of the community.

For more information on El Rio Community Health Center’s Pediatric Immunization Program, please contact 670-3893.