Back to School Means Meeting Immunization Requirements

When preparing your child for school, make sure required immunizations have been administered. Keep a copy of your child's shot record for your files.

"If a child does not receive a vaccine at the recommended age, a catch-up immunization should be given," says Dr. Celine Hanson, a pediatric immunologist at Texas Children's Hospital.

Four- to 6-year-olds need to be vaccinated for DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis), Polio, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), Haemophilus Influenza b and hepatitis B, if the shots were not given earlier.

Children 7 to 11 should receive an additional MMR and any previously recommended immunizations that were missed.

The Td (tetanus and diphtheria) vaccine should be given to children 11 through 16.

For more information on immunizations, call the Texas Children's Hospital Immunization Helpline at 713-770-2061.

©2006 Texas Medical Center

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