Modesto City Schools has opened a new Vaccine for Children (VFC) clinic aimed at providing families with easier and no-cost access to required childhood immunizations. The district is now one of the few in the Central Valley to operate an official VFC site, which seeks to address common barriers such as long wait times, limited appointment availability, and early closing hours that can prevent working parents from getting their children vaccinated.
“We heard loud and clear that families needed later hours,” said Health Services Director Tom Nipper. “Most clinics in town close earlier in the day, so parents were struggling to get their children vaccinated. If we want students to start school healthy and stay on track, we have to offer services when families can use them.”
The clinic is located at 1581 Cummins Drive, Suite B, and remains open until 6:30 p.m. on scheduled days. This schedule provides one of the latest pediatric immunization options available locally. Staff Secretary Jacqueline Boutsikakis, who played a key role in establishing the clinic, assists families as they arrive—many directly after work.
“Families come in after long days at work, and our goal is to make the experience as easy and welcoming as possible,” Boutsikakis said. “For many of our parents, the later hours are the only time they can come, and being here to support them, in English or Spanish, means more students can get what they need to start school healthy.”
Clinic staff review each child’s records using the state immunization database to ensure up-to-date information and help avoid unnecessary vaccinations. Spanish language support is available at every clinic session. While focused on MCS families, services are also open to all community members.
The operation partners with St. Luke’s Family Practice—a nonprofit provider known for offering free or low-cost care—to deliver vaccines at no cost for children under 19 who qualify through Medicaid or are uninsured or underinsured. Vaccines offered include DTaP, Polio, MMR, Varicella, HPV, Hepatitis B, flu shots, and COVID-19 vaccines.
To accommodate increased demand during registration periods and before a new semester begins after winter break—times when many parents update student records—the clinic will hold two all-day sessions on January 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., along with additional dates throughout January from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with further dates planned into spring.
Appointments are encouraged by calling 209-574-1605 or visiting MyTurn.ca.gov; walk-ins will be accepted if space allows.
Location: 1581 Cummins Dr., Suite B
Cost: No-cost through the federal VFC program
Who: Children and teens under age 19
Appointments encouraged: 209-574-1605 | MyTurn.ca.gov
Bring: Any vaccine records you have for your child
