8-06-2025 5:28am

NM Dept of Health Offers Free Vaccines for School Age Children

Chris Edwards Editor

The New Mexico Department of Health is offering free vaccinations for all children 18 and under at Got Shots clinics statewide this August to help families meet school requirements and protect against preventable diseases.

The timing coincides with National Immunization Awareness Month, making August an ideal time for families to get caught up on required shots before school starts.

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is holding Got Shots vaccination clinics for children around the state through August.

“Disease prevention begins with vaccinations, so protect yourselves and your loved ones by staying up to date with your shots,” said Andrea Romero, manager of NMDOH’s immunization program.

Participating Got Shots clinics and medical practices will provide no-cost vaccinations for all children 18 and under regardless of whether they have insurance. Some providers will host clinics in the evening and weekends to accommodate parents’ busy schedules.

The Got Shots clinics, which have taken place each summer since 2007, make it easy for parents to protect their children from preventable diseases like measles and meningitis as they return to the classroom for a new year of learning.

New Mexicans have been heeding the call to get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) shots, with over 46,600 residents getting the vaccine since Feb. 1.

To find Got Shots events in your community, visit the Got Shots website. The 2025-2026 New Mexico Childcare/Pre-School/School Entry Immunization Requirements are available online at Immunization Requirements for Schools for reference.

National Immunization Awareness Month is also a good time for insured adults to consult their medical provider to see if they are caught up on their recommended vaccinations and schedule an appointment for a shot. Uninsured and underinsured adults can get no-cost vaccinations at NMDOH public health offices.

To obtain a copy of yours or your child’s vaccination record, visit vaxview.doh.nm.gov or call 1-833-882-6454 during workday (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) hours.