Reno, NV - Miguel Ortega is ready to start the school year, now that he's gotten all of his required shots. Thanks to his mom, who made this appointment at the Washoe County Health Department ahead of time.

This is crunch week at the clinic.

"Parents and everybody else knows," says Lynnie Shore, RN and coordinator of the Immunization Program at the Washoe County District Health Department. "Most schools start back to school come Monday. So they are busy getting their back to school immunizations so there are no problems."

That's what brought Zatina Harris and her boys to the clinic on Wednesday. Her 11-year-old son is about to start the sixth grade and she wants to make sure he's vaccinated.

"It's very important with all the bacteria, the diseases and things that it prevents. Keeps the kids healthy so they don't pass the germs and other infections to other children," says Harris.

Getting those back-to-school shots takes just minutes, but making sure your kids are up-to-date on their immunizations can take time. After all, the list of school requirements is long.

"All children need to be protected against Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, Measles, Mumps, Chicken pox," says Shore.

Health officials say check with your child's school and family doctor to see what shots your kid needs. Because there are a few more days to get them done. But you'd better hurry.

"Well, time is running out," says Shore. "And appointments are filling up."

And busy parents have enough to worry about.

If you would like to call the Washoe County Health District Department to schedule a time for your child to get his or her shots, you can call 775-328-2402 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays from 8:00am until 12pm and 1pm until 4:30pm. Patients are seen on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during those same hours.