16 Jul 2004
Hepatitis B Immunization Among Needed Health Requirements
DALLAS—Dallas Independent School District students must be immunized against vaccine preventable diseases prior to the start of classes Monday, Aug.16, in order to comply with guidelines established by the Texas Department of Health.
All immunization records must be validated by a physician's signature or health clinic stamp. The month, day and year must be indicated on the record for each new immunization. Designed to prevent childhood diseases, the immunization requirements for the 2004–2005 school year include:
• Diphtheria-Tetanus—Students under age seven, five doses of the vaccine unless the fourth dose was given on or after the fourth birthday. For students age seven and older: three doses vaccine with one dose since the fourth birthday and every 10 years thereafter.
•Poliomyelitis-Four doses of the vaccine unless the third dose was on or after the fourth birthday.
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)–Two doses with the first one on or after the first birthday; second dose by age five or enrollment into kindergarten.
• 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 three doses before 15 months of age.
Hepatitis B-Three doses are required in grades K-5 and 7-10.
•Varicella-One dose on or after first birthday in grades K-4 and 7–10. Two doses if vaccine is started at 13 years of age or older.
For more information regarding immunizations and free immunization clinics scheduled, check with the local school nurse.