By Bill Zeeble, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-980494.mp3
Dallas, TX – With the August 22nd first day of school approaching, Dallas County's Health and Human Services Department says now's the best time to vaccinate children. KERA's Bill Zeeble reports the County boasts a low cost and no lines.
The state says children without required vaccinations cannot enter school. Zachary Thompson, Dallas County Health and Human Services Director, tells parents "Don't procrastinate."
Zachary Thompson, Director, Dallas County Health and Human Services: As we get closer to August 22, the start of school, we're going to see more children coming into the building , longer lines and it's going to be very frustrating.
And embarrassing, he says, because the children and parents have to come down to the county building and wait for shots they could take care of now, with no wait. Thompson says the county's typical vaccination charge of $10 has been reduced to $5.
Thompson: It's not the children's fault, it's the parent's fault. We want our kids in school on the first day, not standing in line trying to get shots.
Thompson says avoid problems. And if you cannot afford the shots, they're free.