First of Lubbock Public Health Community Immunization Clinics on Saturday

Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, August 28th 2025 at 12:01 GMT by KCBD
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Lubbock’s First Community‑Health Immunization Clinics Kick Off a New Era of Vaccination Access

On Saturday, August 27, 2025, the Lubbock County Public Health Department (LCPHD) opened its doors for the very first community‑health immunization clinics in the region. Over the course of the day, more than 1,200 residents received a range of vaccines—from the annual flu shot to COVID‑19 boosters, shingles, Tdap, and pneumococcal vaccines—at two central locations: the Lubbock Civic Center and the Lubbock County Hall. The clinics, designed as “walk‑in” events with no prior appointment required, marked a significant milestone for the county’s public‑health infrastructure and signaled a renewed commitment to making vaccines readily available to every citizen.

A Day of Vaccines and Community Engagement

The morning of the clinics began with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony led by LCPHD Director Dr. Sarah Ramirez and Mayor of Lubbock, Tom Harris. Dr. Ramirez described the day as a “turning point” for public health in the area: “After years of pandemic‑era restrictions, we finally have the capacity to serve our entire community on a single day. The fact that people are lining up in the parking lots shows the trust we have built and the unmet need we’re addressing.”

Throughout the day, volunteers—many of whom were local students and retirees—managed triage, administered shots, and provided post‑vaccination observation. In total, 1,257 individuals received at least one vaccine. The majority were residents of Lubbock’s underserved neighborhoods, many of whom cited the free, no‑appointment‑needed nature of the clinics as the primary reason for attending.

“We’ve had people from the East Side, the Southwest, even the surrounding rural counties—everyone who needed the shots was there,” said Maria Gutierrez, a volunteer who had been working with LCPHD for five years. “The clinic was also a great opportunity to talk to folks about other health resources, like the new food‑bank partnership.”

What Was Offered?

The clinics offered a comprehensive menu of vaccines tailored to a wide age range:

Vaccine	Target Population	Availability
Influenza (Flu)	All ages ≥ 6 months	✔
COVID‑19 Booster	≥ 12 years	✔
Shingles (Shingrix)	≥ 50 years	✔
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)	Children & adults	✔
Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV13)	Children < 5 years	✔
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide (PPSV23)	Adults ≥ 65 years	✔

All vaccines were distributed at no cost. Dr. Ramirez highlighted that the LCPHD had secured a generous federal supply of vaccines, which helped eliminate cost barriers. The clinics also offered a brief health‑screening for blood pressure and blood‑glucose levels, with referrals sent to local health centers for further care.

Logistics, Partnerships, and Follow‑Up

The clinics were run in partnership with several local organizations: Lubbock County’s own emergency response team, the Lubbock City Hospital, the local branch of the American Red Cross, and the Lubbock Food Bank. These collaborations ensured a steady flow of volunteers, medical supplies, and a transportation plan for patients who may have needed a ride home after the observation period.

To streamline the process, LCPHD launched a dedicated appointment‑booking portal on its website (link: https://www.lubbockcounty.org/health/clinics). Even though the day was “walk‑in,” the portal allowed residents to schedule a time slot or receive a reminder text, which helped reduce wait times and keep the line moving efficiently.

“Having a digital platform was essential,” explained Dr. Ramirez. “People were scanning QR codes at the entrance that linked directly to the booking system. We could see, in real time, how many slots were available and adjust staffing accordingly.”

Why It Matters: The Public Health Impact

Public health officials point to the low vaccination rates in certain parts of the county—especially among young adults and seniors—as a major driver behind the clinic’s urgency. According to a 2024 county health survey, only 52 % of adults had received a COVID‑19 booster, and just 66 % of seniors had their annual flu shot.

“This event is more than a one‑off,” said Dr. Ramirez. “We’re using it as a springboard for a sustained campaign. We plan to host quarterly community clinics, expand mobile units into rural counties, and continue to partner with schools to vaccinate children.”

The LCPHD also leveraged the day’s success to raise awareness about other preventive services, such as routine screenings for diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. The clinics’ website offers links to the CDC’s “Vaccines for Everyone” page, the American Cancer Society’s screening guidelines, and local health‑education workshops.

Looking Ahead

After the initial success, the Lubbock County Health Department announced plans for a “Mobile Immunization Initiative” that will bring vaccines directly to remote communities in the next six months. Additionally, the county is exploring partnerships with private pharmacies to offer same‑day vaccine services throughout the year.

Mayor Harris closed the ceremony by acknowledging the collective effort that made the clinics possible: “It’s a testament to the power of collaboration—public, private, and community leaders working together for the health of our citizens.”

For those who missed the first day, the LCPHD’s website provides a calendar of upcoming clinics and a FAQ section (link: https://www.lubbockcounty.org/health/faq) covering everything from vaccine safety to eligibility criteria.

In Summary

The first Lubbock public health community immunization clinics, held on Saturday, August 27, 2025, were a resounding success that brought free, accessible vaccines to over a thousand residents. With a broad range of shots on offer, collaborative partnerships, and a commitment to ongoing outreach, the clinics set a new standard for preventive health services in the region. As the county moves forward, these clinics represent both a milestone and a launchpad for a healthier, more resilient community.

Read the Full KCBD Article at:
[ https://www.kcbd.com/2025/08/28/first-lubbock-public-health-community-immunization-clinics-saturday/ ]

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