Are Your Kids' Immunizations Up To Date?

Debra Luben, MD, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, strongly advises parents to stay up to date on their kids’ immunizations and also suggests getting current on any immunizations early in the summer to beat the back-to-school rush.

Dr. Luben summarizes requirements for public and private schools.

Kindergartners:

• Routine shots should be up to date, including DTaP, polio, and two types of meningitis vaccines. Also, two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine; two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine; and two doses of the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or a written statement attesting to the child’s positive history of the disease.

7th graders:

• Two doses of the chickenpox vaccine or a written statement attesting to the child’s positive history of the disease; one dose of the meningitis vaccine for any child who will be 11 or 12 by the start of the next semester; one dose of the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine; and a Tdap booster if five years have passed since their last tetanus-containing vaccine.

Dr. Luben also recommends the seasonal flu vaccine for children between 6 months and 18 years of age, especially those with asthma, diabetes, or other chronic conditions that could increase their risk of flu-related complications.

“Be sure your child or teen is current with their immunizations and vaccinations – it’s one of their best defenses against contagious diseases. And be advised that state law requires college-bound students under 30 in Texas to show proof of being vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis before being allowed to enroll,” concludes Dr. Luben.

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