Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic Rolls Out Federally Funded Vaccines For Children Program
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SALINAS, CA – 12 year old Isabella Elizondo was smiling alongside her dad as she walked toward the Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic. It was parked on the campus of Gavilan View Middle School for a special vaccination clinic to help make it easier for families to get the updated vaccines required for students to enter the 7th grade.
“I want her to be protected and ready for school,” said Pablo Elizondo, Isabella’s father. “This made it so much easier for our family. We didn’t have to worry about cost or missing work or finding an appointment somewhere else. Being able to do this at school removed a lot of stress.”
Salinas Valley Health’s Mobile Clinic held its first school site Vaccines for Children (VFC) program clinic on May 1st in the Santa Rita School District. The federally funded program provides no-cost vaccines to eligible children, helping families overcome financial and access barriers.
Vaccination is required for school entry and remains one of the most effective ways to prevent serious disease. The VFC program was established in 1993 following a nationwide measles epidemic that resulted in tens of thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths, highlighting the importance of ensuring access to immunizations.
“Bringing vaccines directly to students removes one of the biggest barriers families face - access,” said Dr. Orlando Rodriguez, Medical Director of the Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic. “We’re able to meet families where they are and make sure children are protected so they can stay healthy and in school.”
The Mobile Clinic provides a range of immunizations, including Tdap, Polio, Hepatitis A and B, MMR, Varicella, Meningococcal, Pneumococcal, and HPV vaccines.
Since becoming VFC-approved in July 2025, the Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic has vaccinated 141 children and administered 433 doses, delivering more than $70,000 in no-cost vaccines to families across Monterey County. To qualify for the free vaccines under the VFC program, children must be 18 years old and younger, and either be uninsured, have Medi-Cal as primary insurance or be an Alaska Native or American Indian.
School leaders say the on-campus clinic made a meaningful difference for families.
“We are grateful for this partnership with Salinas Valley Health,” said Dr. Summer Prather-Smith, Director of Parent and Family Engagement for Santa Rita Union School District. “Providing access to healthcare at school helps remove barriers for our families and supports student success.”
For students, the experience was pretty straightforward.
“It was quick,” Isabella said. “It didn’t hurt at all – just a little pinch.”
She added that with the vaccine box checked, she is all ready for 7th grade, but first Isabella plans on enjoying her summer break.
Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843
