Local TV station hosting free immunizations for kids
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. WXYZ-TV Channel 7 and the Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion will give thousands of metro Detroit children a "boost" at the 32nd annual Healthy Living for Kids Immunization Fair.
This year, the program will be held on Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Since its inception in 1977, Healthy Living for Kids has provided immunizations to more than 50,000 young people.
Eligible children three months and older will receive free immunizations against polio, rubella, measles, tetanus, mumps, varicella (chicken pox), diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), Hepatitis B, and HIB (haemophilus influenza type B). In addition, a human papillomavirus vaccine, designed to prevent cervical cancer, will be administered. Registered nurses from the Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion will administer the shots with the assistance of over 150 volunteers from the Health Department and WXYZ-TV Channel 7.
Additional health services will be provided including free lead poisoning testing, sign-ups for WIC's (Women, Infant, and Children) feeding program, and enrollment for a wide variety of youth mentoring programs, including the Girl Scouts of America.
"Providing the opportunity to insure that our children receive the proper immunization care is critical, especially during these challenging economic times," said WXYZ-TV VP and general manager Bob Sliva. "We are grateful to all the volunteers, the organizations and participating companies that have helped to make this event so special for the kids."
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is located in the heart of Detroit's Cultural Center, at 315 East Warren Avenue. Free parking is available, courtesy of the College for Creative Studies. Information regarding the Immunization Fair and specifics on immunizations is available through the Healthy Living for Kids Hotline, 1-248-827-9307 or online at www.wxyz.com.