Parents have through Friday to bring their children to the Pearl RIver County Health Department to take advantage of free immunizations.

Dr. Robert Travnicek with the Missisippi Department of Health said the immunization shots for children ages two months to 18 years are free this week. Friday will end the promotion, which is aimed at helping parents and children beat the long waits during the summer months just before school begins.

After Friday, the shots will still be available but will cost $10. Travnicek said the shots protect children from tetanus, diptheria, polio, hepititus and meningitis. Depending on the imunizations a child will need, the child can expect to recieve two to four shots.

Records of immunizations will be kept on file with the Health Department. The immunizations are required for a child to attend school.

Travnicek said this week is the best time parents to bring in a child theshots. Not only are the immunizations free, but the wait times generally are shorter. Typically, in the months of July and August there are long waits and full waiting rooms containing parents and children queuing for immunizations.