By Eric J. Weilbacher
The Herald-Zeitung
Published April 29, 2010

Dozens of parents brought their small children to a free immunization clinic hosted by the Comal County Office of Public Health at the McKenna Events Center on Wednesday afternoon.

The purpose, as part of National Immunization Week, was to not only immunize as many children as possible 6 years old and younger, but also to take the opportunity to provide attendees with helpful, healthful information – from infant and child nutrition to health care and education opportunities for the young.

Raffle winners were being called every few minutes, winning an assortment of prizes, and with all the activity going on the actual immunization area was kept low key, nearly out of sight.

A large swath of nonprofits, child health care businesses and government agencies promoting their services set up booths to educate the youngsters and their parents on what resources are available to them in the Greater New Braunfels area.

Some of the participating organizations included New Braunfels Utilities, Comal County AgriLife Extension Office, Any Baby Can, the New Braunfels Public Library, Comal County Sheriff’s Office, WIC, CASA, Early Childhood Intervention, McKenna Foundation, Familia Dental, Crisis Center of Comal County, Volunteers in Medicine, Toothtime Dental, CHIP, Head Start, Bob Peterson, Alight Pediatric Clinic, Landa Parks and Recreation and Communities in Schools.

“Basically, I’m letting people know what we do,” said David Rickert, director of operations and community partnerships for Communities in Schools of South Central Texas – a nonprofit that focuses on keeping at risk youth in school.

“There are a lot of parents that don’t have the money for immunizations, and Medicaid may have lapsed, so services like these may be helpful,” said Jennifer Sutton, LVN for Head Start.

The Head Start of Comal County and Guadalupe County offices were hoping to make their presence known to the parents bringing their children in Wednesday. They were there to answer any questions parents might have.

Ramon Chapa Jr. had a booth set up as well, to educate parents on the new availability of both Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP.

“A lot of people make too much for Medicaid but not enough to ensure their children,” Chapa said.

For those unable to take advantage of Wednesday’s event, the Comal County Office of Public Health will be open today and Friday for free immunizations as well, though by appointment only.

Swine flu update

The composition of the new seasonal flu vaccine this fall will include H1N1 in one single shot, eliminating the need to use two separate shots to protect against both the novel H1N1 and the seasonal flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They are now also recommending the flu vaccine for all ages.