SHREVEPORT, La. — Local families are encouraged to keep their children’s immunization records up to date by visiting the Shots for Tots program at Willis Knighton.
As the Ark-La-Tex prepares to return to school this fall, families can bring their children to a mobile unit at Willis Knighton to receive required vaccinations without an appointment or fee. Immunizations will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. throughout August at the health system’s four main hospital locations. Parents are asked to bring their children’s shot records.
The schedule and locations include:
Aug. 3-5 near the Emergency Room at Willis Knighton Pierremont, 8001 Youree Drive in Shreveport
Aug. 10-12 past the Emergency Room at Willis Knighton North, 2600 Greenwood Road in Shreveport
Aug. 17-19 in front of the Willis Knighton Fitness Center at Willis Knighton South, 2510 W. Bert Kouns Industrial Loop in Shreveport
Aug. 24-26 under the billboard at Willis Knighton Bossier, 2400 Hospital Drive in Bossier City
The health system provides the program as a community service using vaccines from the federally funded Vaccines for Children program. These routine shots follow recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and protect against more than a dozen diseases, including hepatitis A and B, flu, RSV and HPV.
Officials noted that the mobile units have raised local student immunization rates by roughly 40 percent.
“I always advise parents: Don't wait until the last minute to take care of back-to-school shots!” said Sheldon West, BSN, RN, CLC, program coordinator for Willis Knighton Health. “It's already a hectic time. They can avoid additional stress by coming to the mobile van and getting their child's required immunizations early.”
Vaccines are available to children up to 18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid-eligible, or American Indian or Alaska Native. Children with insurance covering vaccinations are ineligible, even if a deductible has not been met.
Additional details are available by calling 318-212-2520.