Changes in Texas Immunization Requirements.

The Texas Department of State Health Services recently announced changes in the requirements for students attending Texas public and private schools.  Two changes affect most children enrolling in kindergarten in August 2009 or entering 7th grade in August 2009:

Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine:  All children receive varicella vaccine at 1 year of age.  The new requirement is for children entering kindergarten and 7th grade to have a second dose of varicella vaccine.  The second dose has a "booster" effect and ensures continued protection against chickenpox.

Meningococcal vaccine:  Meningococcus is a bacterium (germ) which causes serious illness, including meningitis (brain infection).  Two other types of serious meningitis (caused by Hemophilus and Pneumococcus) are prevented by vaccines given to children during the first year of life.  Beginning in August 2009 students entering 7th grade are required to have meningococcal vaccine.  In addition, we encourage older teenagers who did not receive meningococcal vaccine at 11 or 12 years of age to receive this vaccine.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine.

There is now available a vaccine to prevent cervical cancer in women - the HPV vaccine.  All other vaccines we administer to children prevent infections - serious infections - which our children no longer need suffer.  The HPV vaccine is the first of what some day may be several vaccines that prevent infections known to be directly linked to cancer.  It is recommended for teenagers and young women in their 20's, but girls as young as 9 years may receive the vaccine as well (well before any possible exposure to the human papilloma virus).  The vaccination is administered as a 3-dose series.  For more information, visit  http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/STDFact-HPV-vaccine-young-women.htm.  We recommend this vaccine most highly.  It is not required for school or any other purpose - but what a wonderful graduation, birthday or quincenera gift!