Back-to-school Vaccines: Imperative to good health

One of the best ways a parent can protect a child is by ensuring he has the right vaccines at the right time. Your child’s pediatrician or family doctor can help. Children are left susceptible to contagious diseases, such as chickenpox, measles or hepatitis if they are not immunized. Some of the diseases are debilitating, have life-long effects, and can even be deadly. Vaccinations are extremely important for the health of your child as well as the health of the community. Millions of lives have been saved thanks to vaccines. Each year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes an updated recommended immunization list and schedule for children (birth through 6 years) and for preteens and teens (7-18 years) which are available online and likely available at your doctor’s office.

In the calm before the storm that is back-to-school, parents are encouraged to resolve student immunizations as early as possible to avoid the inevitable back-to-school rush in clinics, doctor’s offices and medical facilities throughout the city.

Students enrolling in Dallas ISD for the first time must provide evidence of required immunizations. Official records from a physician or health clinic, which provide documentation of current immunizations, are required. All immunizations should be completed by the first date of attendance. The law requires that students be fully vaccinated against specified diseases.

A 30-day provisional enrollment is available to students transferring from one Texas school to another Texas school and to students defined as homeless.

Exemptions from immunization requirements may be granted on a medical basis or based upon religious or personal belief. If a parent chooses to seek an immunization exemption, they must provide a medical exemption signed by their physician and are also required to submit an affidavit provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Dallas ISD families can receive immunizations for $5 at any of the district’s 11 Youth and Family Centers.

For more information or to locate a Youth and Family Center nearest you, call 972-502-4190.

For information on immunization requirements for new and returning students, visithttp://www.dallasisd.org/Page/120.