New Mexico health officials encourage parents to update student vaccinations
State health officials reported that about 95% of students statewide received school-required vaccines last year
As students prepare to return to school, New Mexico health officials are encouraging parents to update their children’s vaccinations to help prevent the spread of illnesses.
The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) stated that required vaccines protect against diseases such as measles, polio, whooping cough and other infections. Officials also recommend additional vaccines, including the flu, COVID-19, and HPV vaccines, ahead of respiratory season. While these additional vaccines are not required, the HPV vaccine is noted as a cancer prevention measure.
Free vaccines are available for students up to 18 years old through many providers and public health offices statewide.
“The best protection from any of these diseases is to be up to date on your vaccinations. So as kids are going back and that’s gathering back in the classrooms, that is most important because that’s how those get spread,” said Andrea Romero, immunization program manager for the New Mexico Department of Health.
State health officials reported that about 95% of students statewide received school-required vaccines last year.
