Take advantage of Immunization Awareness Month with no-cost vaccines throughout Houston

As students prepare for a semester of new classrooms and old friends, and parents ready them with new pens and cool haircuts, it’s easy to overlook one of the most important new school year preparations: immunizations.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, immunizations are a safe and easy way to safeguard children once they return to a school environment, where the potential for disease transmission is higher. Consistent immunization helps to train children’s natural immune systems to fight germs and disease. 

To learn more about the importance of childhood vaccinations, visit the Center for Disease Control website.  

Certain vaccinations are mandatory as dictated by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), and proof of vaccination is required prior to entry or attendance to any child-care facility in Texas from Pre-K to 12th grade. The meningitis vaccine is required for most college-bound seniors, depending on their university of choice.

Additionally, students who have had chickenpox must provide a written report from a doctor, school nurse, or a parent/guardian stating that the student has had chickenpox and approximately when. If the student has not had chickenpox before, or if their parent/guardian cannot provide this statement, a chickenpox vaccine will be required.  

Immunizations are available at no cost through the Houston Health Department, Harris Health Troubleshooters, and Texas Children’s Mobile Clinics.

Additionally, free vaccinations will be available at HISD Student Enrollment’s Back to School Bash and the Back to School Bash & Community Resource Fair at Sam Houston Math, Science, and Technology Center.

COVID-19 vaccines are available free of charge through Harris County Public Health and the Houston Health Department.

Free testing for COVID-19 is available at the Health and Wellness Centers located at Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 W. 18th St., 77092) and Attucks Middle School (4330 Belfort Ave., 77051).

To view the details of HISD’s immunization requirements, visit Health and Medical Services’ Immunization Requirements page.

As students prepare for a semester of new classrooms and old friends, and parents ready them with new pens and cool haircuts, it’s easy to overlook one of the most important new school year preparations: immunizations.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, immunizations are a safe and easy way to safeguard children once they return to a school environment, where the potential for disease transmission is higher. Consistent immunization helps to train children’s natural immune systems to fight germs and disease. 

To learn more about the importance of childhood vaccinations, visit the Center for Disease Control website.  

Certain vaccinations are mandatory as dictated by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), and proof of vaccination is required prior to entry or attendance to any child-care facility in Texas from Pre-K to 12th grade. The meningitis vaccine is required for most college-bound seniors, depending on their university of choice.

Additionally, students who have had chickenpox must provide a written report from a doctor, school nurse, or a parent/guardian stating that the student has had chickenpox and approximately when. If the student has not had chickenpox before, or if their parent/guardian cannot provide this statement, a chickenpox vaccine will be required.  

Immunizations are available at no cost through the Houston Health Department, Harris Health Troubleshooters, and Texas Children’s Mobile Clinics.

Additionally, free vaccinations will be available at HISD Student Enrollment’s Back to School Bash and the Back to School Bash & Community Resource Fair at Sam Houston Math, Science, and Technology Center.

COVID-19 vaccines are available free of charge through Harris County Public Health and the Houston Health Department.

Free testing for COVID-19 is available at the Health and Wellness Centers located at Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 W. 18th St., 77092) and Attucks Middle School (4330 Belfort Ave., 77051).

To view the details of HISD’s immunization requirements, visit Health and Medical Services’ Immunization Requirements page.