IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

The Texas Administrative Code requires that “every child in the state shall be immunized against vaccine preventable diseases caused by infectious agents.” (TAC RULE §97.63) The school nurse will notify the parent/guardian in writing and will follow up with a phone call if a student is non-compliant with immunizations.  Do not forget to take your child's immunization record to their annual check up and get the immunizations needed.  Afterward, please send the updated immunization record to the school nurse.  It is your responsibility to be sure the school has your current address and phone number on file in case of emergencies.
The following immunizations are required:

1. DPT/DT - 3 doses required with last dose after age 4 and 1 within 10 years.
2. Polio (oral) 4 doses required, with last dose after age 4
3. MMR (rubella, rubeola, mumps) 2 doses required, 1st dose after age 1 
4. Hepatitis A
5. Hepatitis B - 3 doses required.
6. Varicella (Chickenpox) 1 dose on or after 1st birthday,2nd dose required if 1st dose was after age 13 yrs, or history of illness.
7. Meningococcal
8. Tdap

TEMPORARY OR ONGOING MEDICAL CONDITIONS

If your child has a temporary or ongoing medical condition that could (a) require medical attention at school, and/or (b) impact their ability to thrive in the school environment, we need to know. Please be sure both the school nurse and your child’s dean are made aware of the situation so we can respond appropriately to your child’s needs. In addition, HISD has resources available that may be of assistance to you. Personal medical information will be kept confidential.

ADMINISTERING MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL

School Board Policy (in accordance with TEC §22.052) prevents nurses and teachers from administering medication of any kind at school without a provider order and without proper consent.  A student may NOT carry medication with him/her except for students with asthma or anaphylaxis conditions and the proper provider order and signed consent. Medications are required to be kept locked in the clinic. A medication administration form with the signatures of both a parent/guardian and the prescribing physician must accompany all medication including self-administration prescriptions for asthma/EPI pens. Each medication must be in its original container with an affixed prescription label listing the patient for whom the drug was prescribed, the drug name, and the proper dosage and administration route information. These guidelines apply to ALL medications - both prescription and over-the-counter. Medication and treatment forms are available in the school clinic, or you may download them on the following page.

ILLNESS

If a student is sick with fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, the student MUST stay home to avoid spreading the illness to others.  Once the condition has resolved for 24 hours (one entire day), then the student may return to school.  Do not forget to send an excuse note with your child once they return to school.