Overview:

As the new school year approaches, parents are reminded of the importance of ensuring their children are up to date on their vaccines. Vaccines protect children from serious diseases and help keep them healthy, in school, and ready to learn. Texas law requires students to have certain vaccines before attending school, and Parkland makes it easy to get vaccinated with Walk-in Wednesdays at its community health centers across Dallas County. No appointment is needed. Most clinics offer walk-in vaccinations from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.

Summer is flying by, and the first day of school will be here before you know it. As families
prepare for a new school year, one important task is ensuring children are up to date on their
vaccines.

Vaccines help protect children from serious diseases and keep them healthy, in school, and ready
to learn. When children get sick, they may miss valuable classroom time, and parents may have
to miss work to care for them.

“Vaccines are one of the best ways to protect your child’s health,” said Cesar Termulo, MD,
Associate Medical Director for Parkland’s Community Health Centers. “Vaccines prevent
diseases that can lead to serious illness, hospitalization and missed school days. When children
are vaccinated, they are protected, and so are their classmates, teachers and others in the
community.”

Texas law requires students to have certain vaccines before attending school.


Required vaccines for kindergarten through 12th grade include:

  • DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus
    and Pertussis)
  • Polio
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Varicella (Chickenpox)
  • Tdap booster
  • Meningococcal vaccine

Children in daycare must also meet Texas vaccine requirements. In addition, students younger
than 22 who plan to attend college in Texas must receive a meningococcal vaccine at least 10
days before classes begin.


Parkland makes it easy to get vaccinated with Walk-in Wednesdays at its community health
centers across Dallas County. No appointment is needed. Most clinics offer walk-in vaccinations
from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.


Schedule an appointment by calling 214-266-4000 or visiting www.parklandhealth.org/community-clinics for more information.