ENGLEWOOD — St. Bernard Hospital will host a free health fair for children on Saturday with the goal of getting school children their necessary vaccinations.
"Each year about 100,000 students attending Chicago Public Schools are sent home because they do not have the neccessary immunizations," said Derek Michaels, manager of Marketing Outreach for St. Bernard Hospital.
The fair will take place at the hospital from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sharon Pekins plans to attend the fair with her two kids.
"I do not have a job or health insurance, so for me this fair is right on time," she said.
Chicago Public Schools children who do not have their immunizations current by Oct. 15 would be sent home, said CPS spokesman Marielle Sainvilus.
Children from preschool to high school can receive vaccinations, lead testing, physicals and a dental examination at the fair. All children must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older, and parents are encouraged to bring immunization records.
The hospital held a free health fair last July as well. Michaels did not know how many children attended the last fair but said St. Bernard has provided free health care to thousands of children the past few years.
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