28 Jul 2003
Hepatitis B Immunization Among Needed Health Requirements
DALLAS—Students in the Dallas Independent School District will be required to complete a series of vaccinations designed to prevent childhood diseases prior to the start of classes Aug. 18, in order to comply with guidelines established by the Texas Department of Health.
A delay in school enrollment may be necessary if the student has not started or has not continued to receive vaccine doses as they become due. All immunization records must be validated by physician's signature or health clinic stamp. The month, day and year must be indicated on the record for each new immunization. The immunization requirements for the 2003–2004 school year include:
• Diphtheria-Tetanus —Students under age seven, four doses of the vaccine with one since the fourth birthday. For students age 7 and older: three doses vaccine with one dose since the fourth birthday and every 10 years thereafter.
• Poliomyelitis —Three doses of the vaccine with one since the fourth birthday to age 18.
•Rubeola (Measles)—For students born on or after Sept. 2, 1991, two doses of the vaccine. The first dose must be received on or after the first birthday. The second dose is due at age four, and must be received at least 30 days after the first dose. A second dose of rubeola is due by the 12th birthday for students born prior to Sept. 2, 1991. Serologic confirmation of rubeola immunity is acceptable in lieu of immunization dates.
• Rubella (German Measles)—One dose since the first birthday or serologic confirmation of immunity.
• Mumps —One dose since the first birthday or serologic confirmation of mumps immunity.
• Haemophilus Influenza (Hib) Type B—For students 15 months of age through four years, one dose of Haemophilus Influenza type B conjugate since 15 months of age, or a series of four doses before 15 months of age. Serologic confirmation of Hib immunity is acceptable in lieu of immunization.
• Hepatitis B —Students born after Sept. 2, 1992: three doses vaccine or serologic confirmation of Hepatitis B immunity; students born on or before Sept. 2, 1992, but after Sept. 2, 1988, three doses before age 12 or serologic confirmation of Hepatitis B immunity.
• Varicella —Students born on or after Sept. 2, 1994, one dose on or after the first birthday. Students born on or after Sept. 2, 1988, but before Sept. 2, 1994, one dose before age 12. Parent or physician validated history of varicella disease (chickenpox) is acceptable in lieu of immunization date.
Currently, exemptions from immunization requirements may be granted on a medical or religious basis. An application for exemption signed by the physician or head of church or religious leader must be submitted in writing to the school principal annually.
For more information regarding immunizations and free immunization clinics scheduled Saturday, Aug. 23 throughout the school district, check with the local school nurse.