Top your back-to-school checklist with early immunizations

DALLAS – Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) urges parents to beat the back-to-school rush and get their children vaccinated now. With the end of summer near, the countdown for the back-to-school season begins and immunizations should be at the top of each parent’s list. There are six clinics open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with some clinics open as late as 6 p.m.

Although most clients have a relatively smooth clinic experience, not all take advantage of avoiding long waiting lines.

“We anticipate a large turn out as the school season begins to approach,” said Ganesh Shivaramaiyer, DCHHS interim director. “Parents have the opportunity to beat waiting lines by taking advantage of extended hours before the school year begins.”

Appointments aren’t necessary. The cost for Texas Vaccine for Children (TVFC) eligible immunizations is $10 for the child’s first visit and $5 for returning patients. Waivers are given to families in need.

“Unvaccinated children are at increased risk for contracting vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, mumps and rubella,” said Dr. Christopher Perkins, Dallas County health authority/medical director. “Following the CDC’s immunization recommendation is one of the most important actions parents can take to protect the health of their children and that of their classmates.”

Parents may visit any of the below DCHHS clinics:

• DCHHS Stemmons Immunization Clinic
  2377 N. Stemmons Freeway, Rm. 159 (first floor) in Dallas
  Extended hours 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wednesday
• Oak Cliff Branch Immunization Clinic
  1113 E. Jefferson Blvd. Suite 200 in Dallas
• John West Branch Immunization Clinic
  3312 N. Buckner Blvd. Suite 200 in Dallas
• Irving Branch Immunization Clinic
  440 S. Nursery Rd. in Irving
• North Dallas Branch Immunization Clinic
  8202 Spring Valley Rd. #200 in Dallas
• Carrollton Farmers Branch Immunization Clinic
  2774 Valwood Pkwy. in Farmers Branch

College students are also able to get the state required meningitis vaccine at DCHHS clinics. Without the vaccine, they cannot enter college. Those students include anyone who is a first-time student of public, private or an independent institution of higher education, transfer student or a student who previously attended an institution of higher education before January 1, 2012, who is now enrolling again following a break in enrollment of at least one fall or spring semester.