Back-to-school vaccinations more important than ever, Parkland experts say

Parkland health centers offer immunizations at ‘Walk-in-Wednesday’ clinics

DALLAS — Even though summer is in full swing, educators across Dallas County are preparing for students to return to the classroom in August. Topping the list of preparations is ensuring that children have the proper immunizations before the class bell chimes.

“Vaccines are one of the most important steps you can take to protect the health of your child,” said Cesar Termulo, MD, Associate Medical Director for Parkland’s network of Community Oriented Primary Care health centers. “Vaccines are the best way to keep children healthy by preventing infectious diseases. Children miss fewer days of school and parents miss fewer days of work. When parents do not vaccinate their children, they put everyone at risk – their own children, their classmates and their teachers – for diseases that are easily prevented but that can be devastating.”

Common disease outbreaks have been taking place in the United States and are preventable by vaccination – such as measles.  These outbreaks are real and are occurring because we take vaccination for granted, Dr. Termulo noted.

Parents can bring their children for immunizations on Wednesdays without having to make an appointment to one of Parkland’s COPC health centers to take advantage of convenient access to immunizations on “Walk-in Wednesdays.”

In Texas, before entering kindergarten, children are required to have been vaccinated for Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis; Polio; Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR); Hepatitis B; Varicella; and Hepatitis A. Children in daycare must also be vaccinated. For older students, a Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis booster and Meningococcal vaccines are required for school.

Immunizations during Walk-in-Wednesdays are available at Parkland’s network of COPC health centers from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m., except for the following locations:

• Bluitt-Flowers Health Center, 303 E. Overton Road, Dallas, 75216, from 9 to 11 a.m., and 1 to 3:30 p.m.
• Southeast Dallas Health Center, 9202 Elam Road, Dallas, 75217, 9 to 11 a.m., and 1 to 3 p.m.

Parents can still walk in with their children for vaccinations on other days, but appointments are recommended. To schedule an appointment for your child at a Parkland COPC health center, please call 214-266-4000.