Clowns and firefighters will mingle with nurses and needles today at the 13th annual Nevada Infant Immunization Day.

Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the State of Nevada Immunization Coalition will be at the Sparks Fire Department, 1605 Victorian Avenue, providing free immunizations. The event is open to children between the ages of 2 months and 12 years.

“We don’t want any sick kids,” said Heidi Hurst, statewide project coordinator for the coalition. “What we want to make sure is that all kids have a chance to be healthy and be immunized.”

Children will walk away from the event not only immunized but also toting goodie bags with contributions from some of the 40 event sponsors.

The immunization day will provide only the basic shots that are required to enroll in public school or day care, including chicken pox, polio and Hepatitis A and B.

“We know that these shots can be expensive,” Hurst said. “This is an opportunity to come out for free.”

In order to get the immunizations for their children, parents must be present and bring current shot records.

Hurst said that about 100 nurses will be on hand for the event.

“We understand that parents have concerns,” Hurst said, adding that, in her experience, one of the biggest concerns comes from parents who are trying to wade through an onslaught of immunization information.

“(The concern) is trying to take all those pieces of information that are out there and make an informed decision,” Hurst said.

Last year the event attracted more than 1,200 children to events across northern Nevada. The event averages around 300 children per site and will be hosting events at 10 locations across northern Nevada.

“We are prepared for it,” Hurst said.

Other sites across Nevada that are offering the free immunizations include:

Neil Road Recreation Center, 3925 Neil Road,Reno

O'Brien Middle School, 10500 Stead Blvd., Stead

Health & Human Services, 900 E. Long St., Carson City

William B Ririe, Hospital Clinic, #6 Steptoe Circle, Ely

Elko Family Medical & Dental Center, 762 14th Street, Elko

Community Health Nursing Clinic, 102 East Haskell, Winnemucca

Children’s Cabinet Health Clinic, 865 Tahoe Blvd., # 202, Incline Village

Community Health Nursing Clinic

331 1st Street, Hawthorne

Douglas High School, 1670 Hwy. 395

Minden

For more information call 328-3724