UNM Sandoval to hold free vaccine clinic

UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center will hold a free back-to-school vaccine clinic this weekend and continue walk-in immunizations throughout July, according to KOAT. The hospital’s push comes as families in New Mexico begin preparing paperwork and health records for the 2026-2027 school year. State health officials publish annual school-entry vaccine requirements, and Albuquerque Public Schools tells families students must show compliance with those rules to attend school. ### When is the clinic, and who can use it? KOAT reported on Thursday, July 9, that the UNM Sandoval clinic will run this weekend and that walk-in immunizations will continue through July. The station said the clinic is free to the public. July is a key month for these clinics because school registration is already underway in Albuquerque Public Schools for the 2026-2027 year. (koat.com) APS said online registration for most students opened on Feb. 17, and the district directs families to provide proof that students meet state immunization requirements. ### What vaccines do New Mexico schools require? (koat.com) The New Mexico Department of Health says school and daycare immunization requirements are set for each school year and posted for families and schools. The department has published both 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school-entry requirement documents on its website. APS says those requirements can change from year to year based on recommendations reviewed by state immunization authorities. (aps.edu) The district’s family guidance says parents and guardians must provide evidence that a student complies with New Mexico immunization rules under state law. ### What happens if a child’s records are not current? (nmhealth.org) APS policy says each school keeps a record of every student’s immunization status and reports students who are not current in accordance with New Mexico statute. The district says schools shall prevent the continued attendance of a child whose parent or guardian does not comply with the law. (aps.edu) New Mexico health officials say the state’s immunization exemption statute allows only two types of exemptions for children seeking to enter school, childcare or preschool: medical or religious. The Department of Health also publishes exemption forms and related guidance for families. ### Why are hospitals and health agencies pushing shots now? KOAT said UNM Sandoval will keep walk-in immunizations available through July as families prepare for school. (aps.edu) That timing matches a broader pattern in New Mexico and elsewhere of urging parents to avoid the late-summer rush for required vaccines. Last year, KOAT reported that UNM Health offered a free back-to-school vaccine clinic in Albuquerque and told parents no appointment was needed. (nmhealth.org) In a separate 2024 report, KOAT said the New Mexico Department of Health was offering free back-to-school vaccinations for children under 18. ### Where should families check requirements before they go? The New Mexico Department of Health maintains the state’s school immunization requirement pages, including the 2026-2027 schedule and exemption information. (koat.com) APS also directs families to district nursing-services pages for attendance requirements and school registration support. Walk-in immunizations at UNM Sandoval are scheduled to continue through July, KOAT reported, giving families another option before August registration deadlines and the start of the 2026-2027 school year. (koat.com 1) (koat.com 2) (nmhealth.org)