Approximately 3,300 students in the Austin Independent School District will need completed immunization records before heading back to school in late August. This is great progress considering that at this time three years ago there were more than 18,000 students faced a similar situation.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) mandates that student immunization records be up-to-date before a child can attend classes. The Austin School District has and will continue to strictly observe the TDSHS requirements for the 2007/2008 school year.
"The first day of school, Monday, August 27, should be an exciting day for parents and students," said AISD Superintendent Pat Forgione. "Students who provide current immunization records will start the new year in class. Those who don't, will be directed to the campus library or gym, and their parents will be called. The Austin School District will continue to have zero tolerance for students with incomplete vaccination records."
"The 'No Shots, No Classes' policy has proven successful for Austin schools. "It has contributed to a strong and healthy start of school for thousands of Austin students, especially those in the middle and high school grades," Dr. Forgione said.
The "Don't Wait Vaccinate" Program, a collaboration of community health partners, is offering students access to free or low-cost immunizations at community healthcare clinics throughout Austin as well as at Austin ISD campus-based immunization clinics.
"The last several years, our 'Don't Wait Vaccinate' program has made tremendous progress in helping cut down the number of students needing immunizations", said Judy Frederick, Director, Children's/AISD School Health Program. "It's important for parents to keep children's immunization records up to date to keep them healthy and protected from common infections."
Parents of students who still need their immunizations will receive a notice from their school. Any student needing an immunization must have it completed and documentation submitted to the Student Health Services office where he/she attends school before the first day of class on Monday, August 27, 2007. Parents are encouraged to contact their health care provider or a community health care provider to arrange for their child to get the necessary immunizations.
For dates, time, locations and information about the "Don't Wait Vaccinate" program, call 2-1-1. Additionally, parents can call the Austin School District's Student Health Services office at 324-0195 or speak with their child's school nurse.
"Don't Wait Vaccinate" Program Partners:
Children's/AISD School Health Services
Amerigroup
Austin Diagnostic Clinic
Austin Fire Department
Austin Regional Clinic
Austin Area Care Van
City of Austin Mobile Van
City of Austin, Primary Care Clinics
Children Wellness Center - Del Valle
Insure A Kid
People's Community Clinic
Seton Kozmetsky Community Health Center
Seton McCarthy Community Health Center
Seton Topfer Community Health Center
Shots for Tots (ATCHHSD)
Skippy Express
St. David's
Texas Association for the Education of Young Children
Texas Department of State Health Services
Travis County Medical Alliance
2-1-1 Texas
United Way Capital Area
