Let's Play Catch Up On Routine Vaccines
Get kids back on track with back-to-school vaccine requirements! School starts in mid-August, and kids ages 4-17 need to have their shots before returning to class.
Kids starting kindergarten and middle school are required to get certain vaccines to protect them from serious diseases, including:
· Tdap vaccine helps protect them and their classmates from Tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough.
· MMR vaccine helps protect them and their classmates from measles, mumps and rubella.
It's an excellent time to get other shots that aren't required for school but can keep kids from getting sick from other diseases, like human papillomavirus (HPV – a common virus that usually doesn't show symptoms and can cause cancer), Meningitis (an infection that can damage the brain) or COVID-19.
Kids can get vaccines they may have missed to help prevent serious illnesses, including:
· COVID-19
· Flu
· Whooping cough (Tdap vaccine helps protect them and their classmates from Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough)
· Measles, mumps and rubella
· Varicella
· Meningitis
· Shingles
· Hepatitis B
· Hepatitis A
· Human papillomavirus
· Pneumococcal
· Polio
· Tetanus
· Diphtheria
Vaccines help keep kids from getting sick or spreading disease. These illnesses can cause serious problems for kids who get them -- and vaccines can help keep kids safe. These shots can help kids stay healthy so they won't miss school and do better in class.
Even if kids missed their shots over the past few years, it's never too late to catch up and protect them now. Parents without insurance can get free shots for their kids at clinics throughout the city to help them prepare to return to school.
Where to find vaccines
· Call your local pharmacy
· Ask your healthcare provider
· Visit vaccines.gov Vaccines for Children
· Visit Events | AustinTexas.gov
Vaccines for Children (VFC) is a federal program administered by Austin Public Health. The program provides no-cost vaccines to participating doctors' offices, clinics and schools in Travis County.
VFC serves uninsured and other eligible children from birth to 18 years of age. To learn more or to become a participant, send an email to APH-Travis County VFC.
Additional Resources
· Requirements for children's immunizations at Texas Department of State Health Services.
· School immunization requirements for students K-12.
· Learn more about the meningococcal vaccine (to prevent Meningitis) requirements for college students in Texas:
Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for College Entry | Texas DSHS