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TUCSON - It's summer, which means back-to-school time is coming up soon, which means one important thing: immunizations.

Dr. Andrew Arthur, Associate Medical Director of Pediatrics at El Rio Health Center, stopped by to talk about a new program that lets working parents get their children immunized on their schedule.

Shots will be given to kids ages 5-18 years old with a parent or guardian present and their shot record.

"El Rio is thrilled to be working in a new partnership with Tucson Federal Credit Union to help families immunize their kids for back to school," said Brenda Goldsmith, El Rio Health Center Foundation Executive Director. We will offer families multiple services. We have also decided to extend the weekday options to later afternoon and after 5:00 pm to accommodate working parents who have a traditional 8:00 am -5:00 pm schedule. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Tucson will be offering parents free after school fall enrollment at the events and Tucson Medical Center will measure children and provide free car seats.

Here are the dates, times and locations for these back-to-school immunization clinics:

Thursday- July 21, 2011 3:00 - 6:00 pm Jim & Vicki Click Clubhouse
1935 South Columbus - Tucson, AZ 85712

Thursday- July 28, 2011 3:00 - 6:00 pm Frank & Edith Morton Clubhouse
3155 East Grant - Tucson, AZ 85716

Saturday- July 30, 2011 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Holmes Tuttle Clubhouse
2585 East 36th Street - Tucson, AZ 85713

Saturday- August 6, 2011 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Pascua Yaqui Wellness Center
5305 West Calle Torim - Tucson, AZ 85757

El Rio's Dental Department has seen an increase in children with no dental insurance. El Rio will provide free children's dental screenings and fluoride varnish treatments in partnership with 3M. Additionally, uninsured families can learn more about different community services and various healthcare coverage options.

In 2010 El Rio staffs administered over 1375 immunizations at the "back to school immunization clinics" held at the Boys and Girls Clubs and Pascua Yaqui Wellness Center. "The number of families with no insurance in our community is growing. More people than ever need our help to keep their children healthy. It's imperative that we continue to collaborate to help families provide high quality care for their children," notes Goldsmith. We want to encourage all families to get their children's shot records out now to see if immunizations are needed so they can take advantage of these free events. This year, El Rio is receiving financial support from Tucson Federal Credit Union, Sol Casinos, an Enterprise of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, and Tucson Electric Power to help fund El Rio's immunization program.

Event organizers stress how easy it is for parents of school age children to get caught off guard when enrolling their students for school. Many times parents forget new immunizations are required until the school nurse notifies them that their kids will be kept out of school until compliant.