By Sara InÈs CalderÛn
The Brownsville Herald
November 22, 2005 — Disease, and how fast it can spread among young children, is a familiar topic at the Brownsville Community Health Center where free vaccines are being offered to protect the most vulnerable from illness.
“We can prevent people from becoming ill with these vaccines,” said Terry Davis, the director of nursing for the BCHC.
“We are a border town, and there is no barrier for disease. It can come from across the border,” Davis said. “The safest practice is to be immunized.”
The BCHC has a program that offers immunizations free for children, age 18 and under.
“Without them (BCHC), we wouldn’t be able to pull off the vaccine program,” said MarÌa Castillo, health services administrator for the Brownsville Independent School District.
The vaccines are a preventative measure aimed at local students.
“It’s disease-prevention ” that’s the utmost you can do for a disease-free county,” Castillo said.
The more students are immunized, the easier it is to prevent the spread of diseases, Castillo said.
“It’s important for all children to keep healthy,” Davis added.
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B shots are particularly important for children along the border, Davis said.
“The safest practice is to be immunized.”
sicalderon@brownsvilleherald.com
What: Free immunizations for school-aged children
When: 1:30 to 6 p.m., Wednesday
8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to
4 p.m., every other weekday
4 to 6 p.m. Tues. and Thurs.
Where: Brownsville Community Health Center, 2137. E. 22nd St.
For more information about what vaccines are offered, call: (956) 548-7441