Release Date: June 2, 2009
Contact: Christine Patmon, Metro Health Public Relations Manager, 207-8638
New Immunizations Required for Thousands of Local Students
Metro Health encourages parents to schedule back-to-school immunizations now
As local students wrap up the spring semester this week, Metro Health officials recommend parents prepare for their return back to school as soon as possible, especially in light of new state-mandated immunizations. Five new requirements will affect up to 50,000 local students and possibly more depending on new arrivals to the area. Parents should make appointments with their child’s primary care physician now to avoid scheduling conflicts towards the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year.
New vaccination requirements are effective on August 1 and are as follows:
Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine:
Two (or a second) doses for students entering kindergarten and 7th grade; students entering grades 1 through 6 and 8 through 12 must continue to meet the current requirement
Meningococcal Vaccine:
One dose for students entering 7th grade
Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis-containing vaccine (Tdap):
One dose for students entering 7th grade who have not had a Td containing booster within the last 5 years; students entering grades 8 through 12 must have a booster if it has been 10 years since their last dose of a tetanus-containing vaccine
Hepatitis A Vaccine:
Two doses for students entering kindergarten (currently required for Bexar and other select counties, but now required statewide)
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine:
Two doses for students entering kindergarten; grades 1 – 12 must meet the current requirement, which is two doses of a measles-containing vaccine and one dose each of the mumps and rubella vaccine
In addition to the expanded vaccinations, students need to be current on previously required immunizations.
“These additions to the childhood immunization schedule will bring us closer in line with CDC recommendations and make Texas an even safer environment for vaccine preventable diseases,” said Dr. Fernando Guerra, director of health. “Earlier this year, Bexar County and San Antonio were recognized as the most improved urban area in the nation for childhood immunization rates. We hope parents will continue to protect their children as we work together to safeguard the entire community.”
Along with updating vaccinations, youngsters should receive their annual well-child checkup. Parents also are reminded to:
Take the most recent shot record to the appointment.
Have valid or current Medicaid or CHIP information, cash or insurance information.
Bring a letter from the school nurse, if you received one. School districts will be stringent on immunization status for school entry.
Tell the physician or medical clinic about any medical condition or illness affecting your child.
Inform the physician or medical clinic of any reaction to medications, food, or any vaccine your child has experienced.
Ask about the Tdap, meningococcal and HPV vaccines for college-bound students.
Metro Health clinics are available to assist families who do not have a personal physician or are in need of services. Call the Immunization Division at 207-8894 to make an appointment as early as possible.
New arrivals to Bexar County who do not have their immunization records or who want to ensure their current immunizations match the local requirements also may call the Immunizations Division for assistance.
For more information,click here.
