Changes in the State's Immunization Requirements for 2009-2010
August 11, 2009
Dear parents:
Re: Changes in Immunization Requirements
We have recently been notified that the Executive Commissioner on Health and Human Services approved several revisions to the “Immunization Requirements for Children and Students in Texas Public and Private Schools”.
The changes that will affect students for the upcoming 2009-2010 school year are described below:
Hepatitis A Vaccine: Beginning August 1, 2009, all students entering kindergarten, statewide, will be required to have 2 doses of Hepatitis A vaccine.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine: Beginning August 1, 2009, all students entering kindergarten will be required to have two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Varicella Vaccine: Beginning August 1, 2009, all students entering kindergarten and 7th grade will be required to have 2 doses of varicella vaccine. A written statement from a parent (or legal guardian or managing conservator), school nurse, or physician attesting to a child's positive history of varicella disease (chickenpox), or of varicella immunity, is acceptable in lieu of either dose of varicella vaccine.
Tetanus, Diphtheria and acellular pertussis-containing vaccine (Tdap): Beginning August 1, 2009, all students entering the 7th grade will be required to have one dose of Tdap vaccine. Students in the seventh grade will be required to have a booster dose of Tdap only if it has been five years since their last dose of a tetanus-containing vaccine. Students in grades 8-12 are required to have a booster dose of Tdap if it has been ten years since their previous dose of a tetanus-containing vaccine. Td is acceptable in lieu of Tdap if a contraindication to pertussis exists.
Meningococcal Vaccine: Beginning August 1, 2009, all students entering 7th grade will be required to have one dose of meningococcal vaccine.
For a full list of the 2009-2010 Vaccine Requirements and exemption information, visit the Immunization Information section under Health Services.
Parents will be notified by letter as their children become due for immunizations.
We realize that keeping children’s vaccinations current can be challenging, but persistence pays off in healthier families and safer communities. The Texas Department of Health is committed to insuring that all children are protected. We are required by law to exclude all students that are not in compliance with immunization standards set forth by The Texas Department of State HealthServices by the required date. This includes requirements for exemptions. This is a state mandate which we cannot make exceptions for. We appreciate your understanding, patience and cooperation in this matter.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at the following extensions:
Primary- Christie Broadway, LVN (830) 779-6660 prompt 3
Lou Ann Ciomperlik (830) 779-6660 prompt 3
Elementary- Kasey Dickson, RN (830) 779-6640 prompt 3
Arlene Silva, RMA (830) 779-6640 prompt 3
Junior High- Jo Lindsey, Clinic Manager (830) 779-6650 prompt 3
High School- Laurie Hartfield, LVN (830) 779-6630 prompt 0
Sincerely,
Kasey Dickson, RN
School Nurse Coordinator
