Release Date: July 24, 2009
Contact: Christine Patmon, Metro Health Public Relations Manager, 207-8638
School is Four Weeks Away – Get Your Immunizations Now
Metro Health reminds parents time is running out for back-to-school immunizations
School is around the corner, which means parents have four weeks left to get their children to the doctor for back-to-school immunizations. Metro Health officials want parents to be aware of the importance of these immunizations for vaccine-preventable diseases and the new state-mandated vaccinations that could affect up to 50,000 local students.
The new vaccination requirements take effect 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 requirements
Meningococcal (Meningitis) Vaccine
One dose for students entering 7th grade
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap):
One dose for students entering 7th grade who have not had a tetanus and diphtheria (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 requirements, which are two doses of a measles-containing vaccine and one dose each of the mumps and rubella vaccine
Metro Health encourages students to see their primary care physician so they can receive an annual well-child checkup as well as their vaccinations. Before visiting the doctor, parents should review the following checklist:
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 are unable to get an appointment with a physician. Individuals should call the Immunization Division at
207-8894 to make an appointment as early as possible.
For more information, click here.
