Every child deserves to start the school year with everything they need to be successful. That includes routine childhood immunizations that keep children, and their classmates and teachers, healthy and strong.

El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) offers low- and no-cost immunizations to youth ages 0-18 every year at the annual Backpack Bash for parents and families who are seeking these resources. Immunizations are available to children and youth only with parental consent and a parent present. This year, EPCPH will be offering immunizations at Solid Rock Youth Center, located at 2052 Jet Wing Drive, on Saturday, July 29, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. That’s just a short jog from Backpack Bash’s main southeast location at Panorama Park, located at 4540 Fenton Road.

In addition to immunizations, kids who go to Backpack Bash receive a free backpack with new school supplies. The event is also a chance for families to check out organizations that serve families and kids. While EPCPH will only be at the Southeast location, there are seven Backpack Bash locations in El Paso County operating on July 29 and August 5.

The annual Backpack Bash is a collaborative effort involving 70 local churches, businesses, nonprofits, and school and government partners, who together help thousands of local kids every year. EPCPH first began offering immunizations at the Bash in 2015 and has been working to increase the number of families reached each year. Last year, the EPCPH immunization team served 93 people and gave 192 vaccinations!

We look forward to seeing you at the Bash! Before you go, remember:

• Parental consent is required, and a parent or guardian must be present.
• Bring along your child’s vaccine records. The records help our staff understand what vaccines your child needs.
• Bring your (parent or guardian’s) picture ID and guardianship papers if applicable.
• Bring your child’s Medicaid or insurance cards if you have them. Not insured? That’s not a problem — we serve all kids.
• We will be vaccinating children and youth ages 0-18 at the Bash. Feel free to bring along the whole crew!