Military Parents' Guide to Area Schools

Immunization Requirements

WHAT ARE THE IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR EL PASO SCHOOLS?

Texas mandates specific requirements. Requirements in effect for 2012-2013 are listed on the following website: www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/school/
For additional school-specific information:

SCHOOL DISTRICT CONTACT INFORMATION
EPISD www.episd.org/_departments/pupil_services/docs/student-handbook.pdf
SISD www.sisd.net/page/240
YISD www2.yisd.net/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=163449 or 915.434.0810

WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR TRANSFERING IMMUNIZATION RECORDS FOR MILITARY DEPENDENTS?

The following are two specific rules that have been adopted by the Health and Human Services Commissioner (HHSC) on behalf of the Department of State Health Services:  (1)  A student can be enrolled provisionally no more than 30 days if he/she transfers from one Texas school to another, and is waiting the transfer of the immunization record, and

(2) A dependent of a person who is on active duty with the armed forces can be enrolled provisionally for no more than 30 days if he/she transfers from one school to another and is waiting the transfer of the immunization record.

WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA FOR OBTAINING AN EXEMPTION FROM IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS?

Texas Administrative Code Rule 97.62 explains immunization exemptions. The code can be accessed through: http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=25&pt=1&ch=97&rl=62
El Paso school districts also include exemption information and/or forms on their websites as follows:

SCHOOL DISTRICT CONTACT INFORMATION
EPISD Student Handbook, p. 14, access: www.episd.org/_departments/pupil_services/docs/student-handbook.pdf
SISD Immunization & Health Webpage: http://www.sisd.net/page/328
YISD Health Services/Immunization Webpage: http://www2.yisd.net/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=163449

WHERE IN EL PASO CAN I TAKE MY CHILD FOR IMMUNIZATION?

For information of places that provide reduced-cost vaccines, call 2-1-1, a toll free number that provides information on health and social services for specific geographic areas.  Calling the immunization Branch Customer Service number (800-252-9152), will also provide answers to questions that you may have. 

In addition to medical clinics, nursing agencies, and other private medical facilities, immunization can be obtained through one of the City of El Paso Public Health Department clinics or at Immune El Paso. Access the following web pages for information:

AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
City of El Paso Public Health Department www.ci.el-paso.tx.us/health/immunization.asp
Texas Vaccines for Children www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/tvfc/default.shtm
Immunize El Paso (ProAction Community Health) www.immunizeelpaso.org/

WHAT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN WHO ARE UNINSURED?

A special program called "Vaccines for Children" (www.cdc.gov/Features/VFCprogram/), or VFC helps provide vaccines for children whose parents or guardians cannot afford the expense.  For further information contact:

AGENCY
CONTACT INFORMATION
Health Services Region

401 East Franklin, Suite 210, El Paso, TX 79901

915.834.7675

httP//www/dshs.state.tx.us/regions/default.shtm
City of El Paso Department of Public Health

5115 El Paso Drive, El Paso, TX 79905

915.771.5702

http://www/dshs.state.tx.us/regions/lhds.shtm

 

WHERE CAN I FIND ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS THAT I HAVE REGARDING HOW VACCINES HELP KEEP CHILDREN HEALTHY?

The following three publications from the U.S. Center for Disease Control provide extensive information for parents regarding childhood diseases and the vaccine that protect children from diseases: