As another school year begins, students need to make sure they've received their required immunizations.
According to the State of Texas, students are required to have been vaccinated against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (aka DTP or DTaP shot), Polio, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (aka MMR shot), Hepatitis A and B, and Varicella. A Meningococcal vaccine is also required for 7th-10th grade students.
The complete listing of age range, dose numbers, and notes is available from the State of Texas at the following link: 2012-2013 Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for Students Grades K-12 (PDF link)
Health care providers should also be able to discuss the list of vaccinations needed for each age group.
For students going to child care facilities, a slightly different list of vaccinations are required. The complete listing of age range, dose numbers, and notes is available from the State of Texas at the following link: 2012-2013 Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for Child-Care Facilities.
College students must also receive a vaccination against bacterial meningitis when the plan to enter public, private, or independent institutions of higher education, according to the Texas Administrative Code (Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 21).
Requests for immunization exemptions must go through the Department of State Health Services. More information on that process is available on the DSHS website.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
Immunization Clinics
Dallas County offers a number of walk-in immunization clinics with lowered costs for county residents. A full listing with addresses, immunization times, and other information is available from the official Dallas County Health and Human Services website.
Dallas County will hold a special weekend immunization clinic on Saturday, August 18 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Parents must bring their children's vaccination records. Appointments aren't necessary.
Similarly, the Tarrant County Public Health department also has walk-in immunization clinics. A full listing with addresses, immunization times, and other information is available here: Tarrant County Public Health Service Locations
Other health care providers, including many locations of CVS and Walgreens pharmacies, are offering immunizations before the school year begins.
Additionally, other counties and cities may be offering immunizations through their organizations. Contacting your local city or county health department may provide more information.
