Hundreds of students received vaccinations ahead of the new school year, thanks to the Long Beach health department’s annual “Superheroes Shield Up for School” vaccination and resource fair on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
The free superhero-themed event helped families prepare for the 2026-27 academic year with school-required vaccinations, connections to community resources and family-friendly activities at the Main Health Facility.
“Childhood vaccinations play a critical role in keeping our community healthy,” Mayor Rex Richardson said ahead of the event. “This free event helps students prepare for a return to school while providing families with valuable health resources.”
From left, Public Health Nurse Nate Khem vaccinates thirteen-year-old Juan Rodriguez during a back-to-school vaccination and resource fair hosted by the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services in Long Beach on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
From left, Talia Watts and eight-year-old Logan Potter speak with Outreach Specialist Andrew Mandujano of L.A. Care during a back-to-school vaccination and resource fair in Long Beach on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Parents and children attend a back-to-school vaccination and resource fair hosted by the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services in Long Beach on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Thirteen-year-old Juan Rodriguez smiles during a back-to-school vaccination and resource fair hosted by the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services in Long Beach on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services hosts a back-to-school vaccination and resource fair in Long Beach on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. This free event helps families prepare for the new school year with school-required vaccinations and connections to community resources. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Family Resource Coordinator Francisca Donato describes a variety of services offered at Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital during a back-to-school vaccination and resource fair in Long Beach on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services hosts a back-to-school vaccination and resource fair in Long Beach on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. This free event helps families prepare for the new school year with school-required vaccinations and connections to community resources. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Show Caption
1 of 7
From left, Public Health Nurse Nate Khem vaccinates thirteen-year-old Juan Rodriguez during a back-to-school vaccination and resource fair hosted by the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services in Long Beach on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Anyone 18 and younger who were uninsured, enrolled in Medi-Cal, or identified as American Indian or Alaska Native were eligible to receive school-required vaccinations at this event. The event offered all vaccines required for school entry, including Tdap boosters for students entering seventh-grade, free of charge. California law requires students entering transitional kindergarten, kindergarten and seventh-grade to meet specific immunization requirements before attending school, according to a press release.
The event also featured free food, back-to-school giveaways, games, superhero-themed activities and raffle prizes for children who received a vaccine.
Community organizations and service providers hosted informational booths offering resources and support for families. The health department’s Sensory Area For Everyone vehicle was also on-site, providing a quiet, inclusive vaccination space for people with sensory needs.
“Just as superheroes help keep their communities safe, vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to protect children from serious diseases,” acting Health Officer Dr. Cliff Okada said in a statement. “Vaccines help students stay healthy, reduce missed school days and safeguard those who cannot be vaccinated. Every shot is a small act of heroism that brings us one step closer to building a healthier, stronger Long Beach.”