IMMUNIZATION INFORMATION
Positive Solutions Charter High School continues to enforce its “No Shots, No School” policy. Texas law requires all public school children have current immunizations in order to attend class.
STUDENT HEALTH: “No Shots, No School”
As summer approaches, families need to remember to check their immunizations to be prepared to return to school for 2020-2021 school year. Some students may not have the requisite number of shots and not know it due to the state increasing the number of shots required at various grade levels.
Positive Solutions Charter High School continues to enforce its “No Shots, No School” policy. Texas law requires all public school children have current immunizations in order to attend class.
Immunization Requirements for 2020-2021
DTP/DTaP/DT/TD/Tdap: Five doses are required for entry of kindergarten students unless the fourth dose was received on or after the 4th birthday. Doses are also required for students entering pre-kindergarten – school nurse will evaluate. Students age 7, starting their vaccine, are required to have three doses. One booster dose of a Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis-containing vaccine is required for entry into 7th grade if at least 5 years have passed since the last dose of a Tetanus-containing vaccine. Grades 8-12 require a booster dose of Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis-containing vaccine every 10 years.
Polio: Four doses of Polio vaccine are required for kindergarten students unless the third dose was received after the 4th birthday. Doses are also required for students entering pre-kindergarten – school nurse will evaluate. It can be any combination of OPV or IPV. Not required of 18-year old students.
Measles/Mumps/Rubella: Two doses are required. The first dose shall be administered on or after the 1st birthday. The second dose to be administered by age 5 or entry into kindergarten. One dose is required for pre- kindergarten.
HIB: Three doses of Haemophilus Influenza type B vaccine and a booster if given before the child is 15 months or one dose of vaccine if given after 15 months. HIB vaccine is given through 4 years of age and is required for students in pre-kindergarten.
Hepatitis Type A: Two doses of Hepatitis A are required for students in grades PK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. The second dose of Hepatitis A is administered six months after the administration of the first dose.
Hepatitis Type B: Three doses of Hepatitis B are required for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
Pneumococcal (PCV7): PCV7 is mandated for all students 3 through 4 years of age. The school nurse will evaluate the number of doses needed or if the student is complete to enter pre-kindergarten.
Menactra (Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine): This vaccine protects students 11 years of age and older from Meningitis. One dose is required for students in grades 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.
* Information on immunization exemptions can be found at the Department of State Health Services Website: https://www.sanantonio.gov/Health/HealthServices/Immunizations
Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is very serious and can be deadly. Death can occur in as little as a few hours. Most people recover from meningitis. However, permanent disabilities (such as brain damage, hearing loss, and learning disabilities) can result from the infection.
Several types of bacteria can cause meningitis. Leading causes in the United States include:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Group B Streptococcus
- Neisseria meningitidis
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Listeria monocytogenes
These bacteria can also be associated with another serious illness, sepsis. Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to infection. Without timely treatment, sepsis can quickly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. If you feel your child has become infected with these bacteria seek prompt medical attention.
For further information on Bacterial Meningitis, please visit these sites:
https://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/bacterial.html
https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/school/meningitis-information-for-students—parents/
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/immunize/PreteenVaccines.aspx
https://dshs.texas.gov/IDCU/disease/meningitis/Meningitis.aspx