Parents and children often arrive early, sometimes waiting in line for hours before the doors open, and they continue to come throughout the day.

They aren’t lining up for Taylor Swift tickets or to grab a coveted Labubu doll. Instead, they are queuing to receive required health immunizations—at no cost—at the Spring Branch Family Development Center (SBFDC).

The Spring Branch Management District is proud to sponsor this year’s back-to-school vaccination event, scheduled for Saturday, August 9, starting at 8 a.m. at 8575 Pitner Rd.

This marks the 20th year that SBFDC has organized vaccination efforts in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Memorial-Spring Branch. The Spring Branch District has also been a long-time supporter, along with Spring Branch ISD and other organizations. The overwhelming majority of children served at this event reside within Spring Branch ISD.

Families lined up for a previous back-to-school vaccination event at SBFDC

“We have been and continue to be the largest one-day vaccination event in Houston/Harris County,” said Laura Abrams, Director of Donor & Community Engagement for SBFDC. “We initiated this effort two decades ago to ensure as many children as possible are ready for school on the first day. Beyond the public health implications, vaccinated children contribute to fuller classrooms, help teachers retain their jobs, result in higher attendance rates, and lead to better outcomes overall.”

Abrams reported that over the past 20 years, more than 8,500 children have received vaccinations during this one-day event.

“We are working with Harris County Public Health to provide immunizations this year, and we expect to serve around 200 school-aged children,” she said.

“We are creating access to a much-needed service in a location that is convenient for hundreds of families. We often have a line waiting for us when we arrive by 6 a.m.”

The vaccination event is exclusively for students who are on Medicaid or CHIP, are uninsured, or whose insurance does not cover vaccine costs.

Parents or guardians should bring their child’s shot record or a letter from the school nurse. To help manage the flow of families, please keep the number of people accompanying you to a minimum.

Serving more than 12,000 individuals each year, the Spring Branch Family Development Center exists to enhance the well-being and development of families in Spring Branch through a collaborative effort with multiple agencies that provide educational, recreational, health, and social services in both English and Spanish.

While focused on the Spring Branch area of Houston and equipped with nearly two decades of experience serving the community, SBFDC also assists families from more than 55 zip codes across Greater Houston, offering over $11.5 million worth of services to the community each year.

If you do not meet the criteria for the August event, or if you cannot attend, the Spring Branch Community Health Center, with offices on-site at SBFDC and at additional locations, is also offering well-child check-ups and vaccinations to patients of all ages.

Use the summer break to prioritize your child’s health and wellness. Schedule your appointment today at: https://bit.ly/4ley3l7. Or, call 713-462-6545, available daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

— Dorothy Puch Lillig