Free Back-to-School Vaccines From Cedars-Sinai Mobile Medical Clinic

As Los Angeles Unified School District students prepare to return to the classroom, Cedars-Sinai's COACH for Kids mobile medical clinic is making vital stops across the city. The mobile unit is offering free back-to-school vaccines and health screenings for children and teens, helping families gain access to the healthcare they need.

From vaccines like DTaP and MMR to full physical exams, COACH for Kids brings Cedars-Sinai care to local schools and community centers.

"These vaccines protect against childhood preventable illnesses-measles, chickenpox, pneumonia, meningitis," said Arthur Cho, MD, medical director of COACH for Kids. "In the past, we saw high rates of these infections. Today, because of vaccines, we rarely see them. When children aren't vaccinated, they're at greater risk of getting sick, ending up in the hospital, or even worse."

The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom spoke with Cho and COACH for Kids nurse practitioner Anne Traynor, RN, about why vaccinations are critical, how the mobile unit is improving families' health and access to care, and what families need to bring to the clinic to get their children vaccinated.

What vaccines are required for school entry?

Traynor: Kids entering transitional kindergarten need boosters for measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) and polio. This includes the DTaP vaccine-given to younger children-which protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. Older children, especially 11-year-olds and teens, receive the Tdap booster, which offers continued protection against the same three illnesses but in a smaller dose appropriate for adolescents and adults. It's not just one age group; we're vaccinating children from birth through age 18.

What's your message for parents who are hesitant about vaccines?

Cho: I understand the concerns. But we've studied these vaccines for decades. Side effects are generally mild-fever or some swelling-but the alternative is far worse. These diseases still exist and can be deadly. Getting vaccinated protects your child and others in the community.

The consequences can be severe. Take measles as an example. We used to have 500,000 cases and hundreds of deaths annually in the U.S. before the vaccine. Though measles was declared eradicated here in 2000, recent vaccine hesitancy has led to outbreaks again. Measles can cause serious complications like meningitis, encephalitis and even death.

What challenges do families face when their children need vaccination?

Traynor: Access is the biggest issue. Even with Medi-Cal, parents may struggle to get an appointment, lack transportation, or be unable to take time off work. That's where COACH comes in-we meet them where they are. We come to you, and we go to schools and WIC centers. (Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a special supplemental nutrition program.)

Cho: We serve dozens of schools and community sites, especially in South L.A., bringing primary care and vaccines into neighborhoods. It's our mission to make healthcare accessible. Many families are working hard and can't make it to a traditional clinic-we bring the clinic to them.

We're here to serve, without judgment. We want to make sure children are safe and healthy enough to return to school.

How long will COACH offer back-to-school vaccinations?

Traynor: We're out in the community throughout August and beyond. We provide everything a regular clinic does, but we're in their neighborhood. There's no copay, and we help families connect to a regular clinic for long-term care.

We ask that parents bring their child's immunization record if they have it. If not, you can often find it in the California Immunization Registry or access it through their school or prior clinic.

COACH for Kids Mobile Medical Clinic-August 2025 Schedule

All clinics open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., unless noted. Closed daily from 12-1 p.m.

• Thursday, Aug. 14-Audubon Middle School, 4120 11th Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90008
• Monday, Aug. 18-Alliance Virgil Roberts Leadership Academy & Luskin Academy HS, 2941 W. 70th St., Los Angeles, CA 90043
• Tuesday, Aug. 19-Normandie Avenue Elementary School, 4505 S. Raymond Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90037
• Wednesday, Aug. 20-6th Avenue Elementary School, 3109 6th Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90018
• Thursday, Aug. 21 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.)-Northgate Gonzalez Market, 944 E. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90011
• Monday, Aug. 25-WIC Manchester, 250 E. Manchester Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90003
• Tuesday, Aug. 26-WIC Florence, 501 E. Florence Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90003
• Wednesday, Aug. 27-Raymond Avenue Elementary, 7511 Raymond Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90044
• Thursday, Aug. 28-Edison Middle School, 6500 Hooper Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90001

For more information about COACH for Kids or to find the nearest clinic location, visit Cedars-Sinai.org or call the COACH for Kids hotline at 888-926-2249.

Read more in the Cedars-Sinai Magazine: Underserved Communities Have a COACH in Their Corner