Health Matters: Immunization
8/12/2010
With everything required to prepare children for the school year, health officials are reminding parents to make vaccinations a top priority.
The Texas Department of State Health Services requires students to receive certain immunizations before starting the school year. This includes children attending private or public schools, as well as youngsters enrolled in a child-care facility, early childhood program, or pre-kindergarten program. They all must meet Texas’ immunization requirements.
According to Phillip Morton, RN, Risk Manager and Infection Preventionist for Palestine Regional Medical Center, “Immunizations create a shield of protection. With the recent outbreaks of mumps and whooping cough across the nation, it is critically important that parents ensure their children are protected. They should also check records for any missing vaccinations.”
Parents with children going into kindergarten, along with those who will be entering 1st, 7th, and 8th grade should ensure their children are up to date on all of their vaccinations and pay very close attention to the following requirements:
- 2 doses of hepatitis A for students entering K – 1st grade
- 2 doses of varicella for students entering K – 1st and 7th – 8th grade
- 1 booster dose of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) for students entering 7th grade, if at least 5 years have passed since the last dose of tetanus/diphtheria containing vaccine
- 1 dose of meningococcal for students entering 7th – 8th grade
Also, first time college students who will be living on campus within the State of Texas are required to have proof of the meningococcal vaccine, which protects against bacterial meningitis.
Parents are encouraged to have their children see their primary care physician so they can have an annual well-child check-up when they receive their vaccinations. Here are the recommendations:
- Take the most recent shot record
- Have proof of Medicaid or CHIP enrollment, cash, or insurance information
- Bring a letter from the school nurse, if you received one
- Tell the physician or medical clinic personnel about all medical conditions or illnesses affecting your child
- Inform the physician of any reaction to medications, food, or vaccines that your child has experienced
- Ask about the Tdap, meningococcal and HPV vaccines for college-bound students
If you have any questions, please contact your family physician. If you do not have a physician, please call 903-731-1134 and ask for a list of physicians in the Palestine area.