"We want to be the healthiest city in this country:" Health Fair held at North Division H.S.

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee's mayor and health officials are urging parents to check their kid's immunization records. Many children don't have the required vaccines to start school.

A quick prick -- then Israel Walker will be able to go to school. He's getting a Tetanus shot.

"I didn't know he needed that. They looked up his records and he does -- so he's going to receive one today. He doesn't want to but he's going to get it," said Robin Walker, Israel's mom.

One of Milwaukee's Back-to-School Health Fairs was held Friday, August 19th at North Division High School. A second Back-to-School Health Fair will be held Friday, August 26th at South Division High School.

Services at each fair include vaccinations for students ages 18 and under, lead testing, vision and dental screenings.  This year, back to school haircuts were also be available for students.

Free backpacks and school supplies were also provided to children with an up-to-date shot record, or those who received vaccinations and lead testing at the fairs.

The purpose of the fairs is to connect families with health care providers, so students start school healthy and ready to learn.

"We want to be the healthiest city in this country. To do that we have to make certain that our kids are the healthiest kids in this country," said Bevan Baker, City of Milwaukee Commissioner of Health.

Though still below the state average, MPS is on its way to achieving their highest ever immunization rate.

Mayor Tom Barrett

"Particularly the low income kids that normally would not have received these immunizations are now getting these immunizations," said Mayor Tom Barrett.

Alex Gill wants to protect her nieces and nephews.

"Some kids may go to school and spread germs but it can easily be taken care of if you just keep up with the immunizations --  shots and everything," said Gill.

If you couldn't make it to the health fair on Friday, August 19th, there is another scheduled for next Friday on the south side of Milwaukee. It starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m. at South Division High School.

For more information, call 414-286-3521 or visit www.milwaukee.gov/health.