Immunizations are an important part of our children’s health care, and Texas law requires that children going to school be vaccinated to prevent vaccine-preventable disease. The purpose of this notice is to let you know which vaccines are required for school attendance. (SEE THE 2013-2014 Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for Students Grades K-12)
As a parent, it is important to know that in addition to the vaccines required by the Texas Department of State Health Services for school entry there are also vaccines that are recommended.
Parents often have concerns or want more information on children’s immunizations and vaccine safety. A resource developed for parents with frequently asked questions about the safety and importance of vaccines can be located at: www.immunizetexas.com.
The DSHS Immunization Program’s website is located at: www.immunizetexas.com. HCISD schools work hard to ensure compliance with the immunization laws. Your help in providing updated immunization records at school registration and when your child receives additional vaccine(s) is greatly appreciated.
Exemptions to Immunization Requirements:
Chapter §97.62 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) describes the conditions under which individuals can seek exemptions from Texas immunization requirements. Exclusions from compliance are allowable on an individual basis for medical contraindications, reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, and active duty with the armed forces of the United States.
Guidelines for Requesting an Exemption for Reasons of Conscience
- Written requests must be submitted through the U.S. Postal Service, commercial carrier, fax, or by hand-delivery.Mailing Address:
Immunization Branch
Department of State Health Services
Immunization Branch (MC 1946)
P.O. Box 149347
Austin, TX 78714-9347Hand Delivery:
Department of State Health Services
Immunization Branch (MC 1946)
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756
Fax:
(512) 776-7544
On-Line:
Via the department’s online exemption form (https://webds.dshs.state.tx.us/immco).
- Hand-delivered requests may be submitted to the DSHS, Immunization Branch, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. ALL affidavit forms will be mailed to you via U.S. Postal Service.
Important note: no requests will be filled at the time of hand-delivery. - Affidavit form requests will be processed and mailed within one week from the receipt of the request. If additional information is needed in order to process the affidavit, you will be notified.
- The letter must include the following information:
- Full name of each child for whom a form is requested (first, middle, and last);
- Date of birth of each child for whom a form is requested;
- Parent or legal guardian’s signature and complete return mailing address, including zip code; and
- Number of forms needed for each child (not to exceed five forms per child)
- Electronic mail or telephone requests cannot be processed.
- The official Texas Department of State Health Services affidavit form must be notarized and submitted to school officials. The form must be submitted within 90 days from the date it is notarized.
- The school will accept only official affidavit forms developed and issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Immunization Branch. No other forms or reproductions will be allowed.
Please discuss your child’s vaccination needs with your child’s doctor, health care provider or local public health department at (956) 361-8244 San Benito Office and (956) 423-3516 Harlingen Office.
Please bring your child’s updated immunization records to the school each time your child receives an immunization.
If you need further assistance and clarification contact the School Nurse or the HCISD Health Services Office at (956) 430-9527.
Click here to view the 2013-2014 Immunization Requirements
Vaccine Clinics
VDNC
1214 Dixieland Rd., Ste #8
Harlingen, TX
(956) 423-7000
Clinic hours of Operation
Open Mon – Fri 8am – 8pm
Medicaid, CHIP, Private Insurance Accepted
Self Pay (No insurance) $10.00 per vaccine
Cameron County WIC Clinic
711 N. “L” Street
Harlingen, TX
(956) 423-3516
Clinic hours of Operation
(Mon) 1pm – 6pm
(T-W-Th) 8am – llam and 1pm – 4pm
(Fri) 8am-11am
SELF PAY ONLY (Must NOT have insurance of any kind) $5.00 per vaccine
District Based Vaccine Clinic HCISD Health Service Office by VDNC
1409 E. Harrison
Harlingen, TX
(956) 430-9527
Medicaid, CHIP, Private Insurance Accepted
Self Pay (No insurance) $10.00 per vaccine
Clinic Hours of Operation
Wed 8/14/15 and Thursday 8/15/13 ONLY
9:30am – 4:30pm
District Based Vaccine Clinic Gutierrez Middle School by VDNC
3205 W. Wilson Rd.
Harlingen, TX
(956) 430-4400
Medicaid, CHIP, Private Insurance Accepted
Self Pay (No insurance) $10.00 per vaccine
Clinic Hours of Operation
Wed 8/14/15 ONLY
9:30am – 4:30pm
You may also take your child to your own private doctor or health care provider for their vaccines.
