Kids Care Fair to Give Free Immunizations

Organizers of Saturday’s Kids Care Fair at the Canoga Park Health Center are expecting more parents to bring their kids for free immunizations and health screenings this year.

“Last year, [the fair] happened the week after school started,” said Abel Sedillo, a spokesman for the Northeast Valley Health Corp., the host of the site at 7107 Remmet Ave.

Two other sites for Saturday’s fair are the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles, North Valley, 1200 N. Maclay St. in San Fernando and Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, 501 S. Buena Vista St. in Burbank.

Holding the fair before the start of the traditional school year may boost attendance, Sedillo said, because more parents will be looking for free immunizations for their children. Last year’s fair, held in San Fernando and Canoga Park, drew about 500 children.

In addition to immunizations, the fair offers free blood-pressure, dental and vision screenings, and height and weight measurements will be taken. Family health reviews will also be offered.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun stuff too,” Sedillo said, promising a clown, a tooth fairy, police and fire department displays and a bicycle safety program. Information booths will focus on such problems as eating disorders, lead poisoning, nutrition, HIV/AIDS and prenatal care.

The fair, co-sponsored by the American Red Cross, KABC-TV, Sav-On Drugs and Aetna Health Plans/Aetna Foundation, will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the three sites.

For more information, call (800) 870-5437.