From the desk of Rep. Allen Vaught

July 28, 2009


New Immunization Requirements Go Into Effect August 1st

Dallas – State Representative Allen Vaught (Dallas) reminds Texans that new vaccination requirements take effect August 1, 2009, primarily for children in kindergarten through 7th grade.

The Texas Department of State Health Services revised the list of vaccination requirements this March, as they do every four years, to align more closely with federal guidelines. Five new immunizations have been added to the state’s list and students will not be allowed to enter school this year unless they are up to date on all vaccinations. “I urge all parents to review the new list of immunizations so that their children are prepared for this upcoming school year,” said Rep. Vaught.

The five new immunizations:
1) Hepatitis A Vaccine: Two doses of the vaccine are required for all students entering kindergarten.
2) Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine: Two doses of the vaccine are required for all students entering kindergarten.
3) Varicella Vaccine: Two doses of the vaccine are required for all students entering kindergarten and 7th grade. A written statement from a parent or doctor confirming history of chickenpox will be accepted in lieu of one dose of the vaccine.
4) Tetanus, Diphtheria, and acellular pertussis-containing vaccine (Tdap): One dose of the vaccine is required for all students entering 7th grade. If it has been five years since the child’s last dose of a tetanus-containing vaccine, then they are required to have a booster dose of Tdap. Students in 8th through 12th grade will be required to have a booster dose of Tdap vaccine if it has been ten years since their previous dose of a tetanus-containing vaccine.
5) Meningococcal Vaccine: One dose of the vaccine is require for all students entering 7th grade.
For a list of all immunizations required for school age children, please contact the Texas Department of State Health Services at (800) 252-9152. Children needing additional immunizations before the school year should contact their family doctor or Dallas County Health and Human Services, which provides immunizations at locations throughout Dallas County. Parents can call (214) 819-2000 for a list of local clinics and for more information. There is a $10.00 fee per child for children through age 18 for the first visit, then $5 for repeat visits.