Families with uninsured or underinsured students in Pasadena Unified can get required vaccinations at no cost at a clinic running Wednesday, Aug. 12, through Friday, Aug. 14, just days before the first day of school Monday, Aug. 17.

The Pasadena Public Health Department is hosting its annual immunization clinic and tuberculosis testing at the PUSD Education Center, 351 S. Hudson Ave., Room 130. Appointments are available from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 2:30 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted 3 to 4 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.

To book a slot, call (626) 396-3600 ext. 88180.

TB testing is open to all students regardless of insurance. Immunizations are limited to students who are uninsured or underinsured and qualify through the federal Vaccines for Children program, which covers children 18 and younger who are Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, underinsured or American Indian/Alaska Native.

No proof of eligibility is required, according to the CDC.

California law mandates that students be immunized before entering school. The Pasadena Public Health Department's announcement, signed by Health Officer Dr. Parveen Kaur, noted that children who follow the American Academy of Pediatrics immunization schedule will satisfy the state's school-entry requirements.

"By making sure children are up to date on their routine immunizations, families help protect not only their own children, but also classmates, teachers, and the broader community," Kaur said in the announcement.

Statewide, measles cases are climbing. California has confirmed 52 cases so far in 2026, more than double the prior year, according to California Department of Public Health data reported by KCRA. CDPH said most cases involved unvaccinated individuals, half were school-age children and nearly 30% were children under 5.

Overall, 93.7% of California students had received all required vaccinations in the 2024-25 school year, CDPH reported.

Most health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal, cover recommended childhood vaccines at no out-of-pocket cost. Families with insurance should check with their regular provider. Those without a healthcare provider can contact the Pasadena Public Health Department for help finding a participating clinic or pharmacy.

The clinic's final day is Friday, Aug. 14. School starts the following Monday.