Kids turn out for fun and shots

Volunteers and health department workers turned out Friday to put on the Lil Shots Carnival for the eighth year in a row, giving children of all ages an opportunity to update their shots in time for school.

Hill County Public Health Director Kim Larson said that about 20 immunization shots were given and 50 records were looked up, adding that this year's turnout was lower than last year. The reason, she said, is because many kids are already updated.

Larson said there are exceptions to immunization requirements. Medical conditions that would negatively interfere with the immunizations, or religious beliefs, are adequate reasons to be exempted from the immunizations.

The back-to-school immunizations that were the most common included diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine, called the DTaP; polio and MMR, a vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella.

The point of the carnival atmosphere, Larson said, was to give something not known for being pleasant - getting shots - a fun twist.

The people running the event included the four nurses giving shots, two representatives from the Blaine County Health Department, one person from the Hill County Extension office and three volunteers from the North Central Senior Center.

A prize drawing for everyone updated on their shots was held as an added incentive. Larson said the prizes include an inflatable raft, fishing poles and a bubble machine. Winners will be contacted today.