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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