TUCSON - Kids of all ages are getting ready to go back to class but they will need to update their immunizations before they do.

Though the shots may be painful, the El Rio Community Health Center is making the process a little easier by providing four free immunization fairs over the next few weeks.

The first fair happens today, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club Jim & Vicki Click Clubhouse (1935 South Columbus Blvd). Parents or legal guardians must be present. You are asked to bring your child's shot record with you if possible.

Each year, the list of recommended vaccinations seems to change. Leslie Maier knows how important these changes can be.

"My son died when he was 17 from a vaccine preventable disease, meningococcal meningitis," Maier said.

It was 2005 and in less than 24 hours, Maier's son Chris became ill and was gone. Maier believes if Chris had been vaccinated he would be here, celebrating his 24th birthday this week.

"He would be out there working, contributing to the world, I think he would still be having lots of fun," Maier said.

Maier says Chris would also want other parents to know this can happen to anyone, but it does not have to.

"They should be finding out that there are other vaccines that are new vaccines that are coming out that can prevent their children from dying in less than 24 hours," Maier said.

In fact, this year recommendations for the meningitis vaccine have changed. Doctors now say teens 16 and up should get an additional booster dose of the vaccine.

Physicians also say the HPV vaccine is no longer just for pre-teen and teenage girls. Young men should also be immunized against HPV.

Dr. Andrew Arthur, a pediatrician with the El Rio Community Health Center, says all of these vaccines are critical at this time of the year.

"There are many things that people share when they go to school. They share high fives, they share handshakes, and they share hugs with best friends and books and pencils and unfortunately they share germs," Arthur said.

The goal at El Rio's four immunization fairs this year is to vaccinate hundreds of Tucson kids.

"By getting immunizations, children are helping protect themselves with their armor before they go out into that big world with many many germs out there," Arthur said.

Free dental screenings will also be available at the immunization fairs.

The Tucson Federal Credit Union donated $25 thousand to make the clinics possible. Other local sponsors include Sol Casinos and Tucson Electric Power.

A parent or legal guardian is required. A shot record is highly recommended.

Times and locations of all clinics are below:

Thursday, July 26, 3 - 6 p.m.
Boys and Girls Club
Jim & Vicki Click Clubhouse (1935 South Columbus Blvd)

Thursday, July 28, 3 - 6 p.m.
Boys and Girls Club
Frank & Edith Morton Clubhouse (3155 East Grant Road)

Saturday, July 30, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Boys and Girls Club
Holmes Tuttle Clubhouse (2585 East 36th Street)

Saturday, August 6, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Pascua Yaqui Wellness Center (5305 West Calle Torim)