Reno-area families have vaccine clinics before Washoe schools reopen

Reno-Sparks families still have several opportunities to update student immunizations before the 2026-27 school year, but clinic dates and appointment rules differ by provider.

Community Health Alliance has school-based clinics scheduled from Tuesday, July 28, through Thursday, August 6, at schools in Reno and Sparks. Northern Nevada Public Health also lists vaccination events on Saturday, August 1, and Saturday, August 8.

What Washoe County students should check

Washoe County School District says required immunizations must be current for enrollment. The district identifies the meningococcal vaccine, also called MCV4 or MenACWY, and Tdap as requirements for all Nevada seventh graders and for new students in grades 7 through 12 enrolling in the district.

Students entering 12th grade in Nevada schools must receive the MenACWY, or MCV4, vaccine. That does not mean every student needs every vaccine offered at the clinics. Families should review the child’s immunization record first, identify missing doses and ask the district or provider what documentation is needed.

Remaining Northern Nevada Public Health events

Northern Nevada Public Health lists a Family Health Festival from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, August 1, at Hug High School, 3530 Sullivan Lane in Sparks. A second event is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, at Northern Nevada Public Health, 1001 E. Ninth St. in Reno.

The events focus on students ages 4 through 18. Appointments are recommended but not required, and families should expect longer waits without one. Northern Nevada Public Health says all minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Families should bring identification, the child’s insurance card if available and vaccination records. If the child’s records are not in Nevada, parents should bring out-of-state or out-of-country records. Northern Nevada Public Health says children without insurance can receive vaccines at these events without a charge.

Community Health Alliance school clinics

Community Health Alliance’s remaining school-based clinics are scheduled for July 28 at Swope Middle School, July 29 at Traner Middle School, July 30 at Spanish Springs High School, August 4 at North Valleys High School, August 5 at Mendive Middle School and August 6 at Hug High School. Each clinic is listed from 2 to 5:30 p.m.

Appointments are preferred when available, and walk-ins are welcome, although the provider warns that wait times may be long. A parent or legal guardian must be present. Community Health Alliance asks families to bring identification, an insurance card, clothing that allows access to the arm or leg and a completed vaccine consent form. The clinics serve students entering kindergarten and older.

Another option for uninsured children

Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada provides vaccines for children through Nevada’s Vaccines for Children program. Children must be under 18 and either enrolled in Medicaid or uninsured. A legal parent or guardian must be present, and permission notes are not accepted.

Families must complete a medical screening form. Catholic Charities says vaccines are based on availability and that supplies are not guaranteed, so families should confirm current participation and availability before traveling.

Checklist before booking

• Locate the child’s current immunization record.
• Check which doses are missing and whether the child is entering seventh or 12th grade.
• Confirm the clinic date, location, age range, appointment process and walk-in policy.
• Verify insurance or uninsured eligibility with the provider.
• Bring identification, insurance information, vaccination records and any required consent forms.
• Contact Washoe County School District Student Health Services with enrollment-specific questions.

Clinic dates, appointment slots and walk-in availability can change. Families should check the provider’s current page before leaving home.

Sources

• Northern Nevada Public Health vaccination events
• Community Health Alliance back-to-school vaccination schedule
• Washoe County School District immunization requirements
• Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada nursing and vaccines