EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The City of El Paso’s Department of Public Health is providing free routine vaccines to eligible children before heading back to school.
According to the news release by the City, the Department of Public Health emphasizes the importance of vaccinations against preventable illnesses such as tetanus, HPV, polio, measles, meningitis, whooping cough and more.
“Diseases like polio, measles, and meningitis were once common and had devastating impacts on communities,” said City-County Local Health Authority Dr. Hector Ocaranza. “Thanks to vaccines, we’ve made great progress—but we must remain vigilant. Protecting our children through vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious illness and save lives.”
The City said they are offering free vaccines for children 18 years and under who meet the following Texas Vaccines for Children requirements:
- Enrolled in Medicaid
- Uninsured
- Underinsured (Private insurance, but coverage does not include vaccines, or selected vaccines)
- American Indian or Alaskan Native
- Enrolled in CHIP (El Paso First only)
In addition, the following vaccines are available to the eligible children, the City said:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Acellular Pertussis (DTaP)
- COVID-19
- Hepatitis A (HepA)
- Hepatitis B (HepB)
- Polio (IPV)
- Meningococcal Vaccine (MCV) and Meningitis B (MenB)
- Adolescent Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
The City’s Community Clinics are open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the following locations:
- Westside, 7380 Remcon Circle
- Lower Valley, 9341 Alameda Ave.
- Henderson, 721 S. Mesa
- Northeast, 9566 Railroad
The City does say that the clinics are closed from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch.
No appointments are required to go to the Community Clinics, but you can make one by calling (915) 212-6555.
As well, the Department’s Vax to School Tour ’25 will host outreach events across El Paso and bring vaccines to areas where families may have limited access to healthcare, the City said.
Vax to School Tour ’25 dates and locations can be found on the Department of Public Health’s page.
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