Lil' Shots Carnival offers no-cost immunization

Anyone who attends the Lil’ Shots Carnival Friday can be immunized at no cost, Kimberly Larson, public health director at the Hill County Health Department said Wednesday.

“It doesn’t have to be back-to-school related,” she added. “That’s just how we’re promoting it since it’s that time of year. Infants can come and also older students who just need an update, like tetanus or something. They can call or they can just show up, either way.”

Immunizations are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Health Department, although the street is blocked off for the carnival only until noon.

Larson said the carnival is a lot of fun and she enjoys getting out and talking to people. She added that a lot of day cares bring their kids to the event.

“I’ve worked here for nine years and we’ve had it every year,” Larson said.

The event has changed, though, Larson said, since she began working at the Health Department.

“Now we can partner with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Care Van,” she said. “They have this van that can turn into a clinic. With the van we can cover no-cost immunization because they will pick up the cost. That’s a really great partnership that’s started.

“We also have a lot of organizations from town that come and promote their businesses, and a lot of games,” she said, adding that the kids always love exploring the police and fire department vehicles that park at the event.

The carnival will offer plenty of activities for kids, Larson said.

“We have a fishing pond game, a tattoo parlor — fully licensed by our sanitarian,” she said jokingly.

She added that the carnival usually has an obstacle course and jewelry making.

Water machines and a snow-cone machine will also be available — great activities for the hot weather, Larson said. Friday temperatures may reach a record-breaking 107 degrees, according to the National Weather Service forecast.

Kids at the carnival can also win prizes provided by the health department, she added.

“There are about 12 prizes,” Larson said. “Kids that are (or get) up-to-date on their immunizations can put their name in.”

The health department will draw from the names Monday, she added, because it will give immunizations all day Friday.

“Immunizations are one of public health’s greater advancements,” Larson said, adding that they have helped to decrease or have eliminated some of its most serious illnesses.

“Of course, there are some kids who can’t get immunized because of certain medical conditions or their age,” she added.

Larson gave a hypothetical example: If she had measles herself and came into contact with an infant, she could pass along the illness because an infant is too young to get the vaccine.

“So it’s our job, also, to protect those who are vulnerable,” Larson said.

Lil’ Shots Carnival offers no-cost immunizations Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Hill County Health Department, 302 4th Ave. The Health Department will continue to offer the no-cost immunizations from 1 to 5 p.m.

For information, call the Hill County Health Department at 400-2415 or 265-5481.