FRESNO (KMJ) — Fresno Unified is holding vaccination clinics to ensure as many of their students as possible – are compliant with state law.
Immunization sessions are being held until the end of next week. The aim is make sure that every child being schooled within the district are protected against some very serious conditions.
“It’s prevents the children from getting several diseases such as polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps”, says Nurse Practitioner with Fresno Unified Cheryl Martinez. “There are several vaccines that they have to have”.
She adds that the governor’s recent signature on SB 277 now means the personal belief exemption, which did give parents and guardians the right to refuse required vaccinations, no longer applies.
“Now we have added on this brand new law that now requires you to only get a waiver for medical reasons – signed by your doctor”.
Kids from kindergarten through to 7th-grade have to have their vaccinations completed before the start of school. Those going into 7th grade itself -need specific proof of protection against pertussis, also known as whooping cough.
The free clinics are taking place at the Adult Transition Program Center on Fresno’s Fairmont Avenue, which is near the intersection of Shaw and First.
They’re free for Medi-Cal (card required), uninsured, or income eligible students, with the T-Dap vaccine free for all Fresno Unified students. The parent or guardian needs to accompany the student and if possible bring a current immunization record.
