7/21/06
Dear Colleagues,
I wanted to alert you to some important news regarding immunizations and the Austin Independent School District
(AISD). Since the 2004-2005 school year, the entire district has strictly observed Texas Department of State Health
Services (DSHS) immunization requirements and has zero tolerance for vaccine delinquency. Students who are not
up to date on the first day of school will be excluded and counted absent until they are properly immunized.
In the past, AISD’s guidelines regarding immunization delinquency were confusing and contradictory, with some
campuses allowing grace periods and others excluding children the day they become delinquent. AISD
superintendent Dr. Pat Forgione, reacting to a recent court decision from the Texas Attorney General, directed all
AISD campuses to strictly follow the DSHS rules. I welcome Dr. Forgione’s decision, as it strengthens public health in
the district.
How can you best serve your patients and your practice?
• Pay close attention to the immunization records of your school-aged patients this summer, and aim to eradicate
delinquency at every office visit.
• Anticipate an up-tick in the number of students needing shots this summer and plan accordingly in your office.
We hope the vast majority of delinquent students get immunized before the start of the school year, but we realize
that many families will miss the message. Accordingly, some of your patients will likely be sent home on the first day
of school needing immunizations. We ask that you make appropriate preparations in your office (consider, for
example, restructuring nurse time to provide walk-in immunizations).
• We, as a community, must be dedicated to a turn-around time of 24 hours between the time our patients are
sent home from school and the time they get their immunizations and are able to return. We are making a concerted
effort in the public health arena to make the 24-hour turnaround time a reality, but we need your help in private
offices as well.
Please join Student Health Services this summer as we campaign to keep our children properly vaccinated and in
school. The fruits of our labor will be better public health and a safer school environment. I appreciate your
attention and I welcome your questions and input.
Sincerely,
Roberto L. Rodríguez, MD, MPH
Medical Director, CHOA/AISD Student Health Services
512-324-8565
rlrodriguez1@seton.org
Dear Colleagues,
I wanted to alert you to some important news regarding immunizations and the Austin Independent School District
(AISD). Since the 2004-2005 school year, the entire district has strictly observed Texas Department of State Health
Services (DSHS) immunization requirements and has zero tolerance for vaccine delinquency. Students who are not
up to date on the first day of school will be excluded and counted absent until they are properly immunized.
In the past, AISD’s guidelines regarding immunization delinquency were confusing and contradictory, with some
campuses allowing grace periods and others excluding children the day they become delinquent. AISD
superintendent Dr. Pat Forgione, reacting to a recent court decision from the Texas Attorney General, directed all
AISD campuses to strictly follow the DSHS rules. I welcome Dr. Forgione’s decision, as it strengthens public health in
the district.
How can you best serve your patients and your practice?
• Pay close attention to the immunization records of your school-aged patients this summer, and aim to eradicate
delinquency at every office visit.
• Anticipate an up-tick in the number of students needing shots this summer and plan accordingly in your office.
We hope the vast majority of delinquent students get immunized before the start of the school year, but we realize
that many families will miss the message. Accordingly, some of your patients will likely be sent home on the first day
of school needing immunizations. We ask that you make appropriate preparations in your office (consider, for
example, restructuring nurse time to provide walk-in immunizations).
• We, as a community, must be dedicated to a turn-around time of 24 hours between the time our patients are
sent home from school and the time they get their immunizations and are able to return. We are making a concerted
effort in the public health arena to make the 24-hour turnaround time a reality, but we need your help in private
offices as well.
Please join Student Health Services this summer as we campaign to keep our children properly vaccinated and in
school. The fruits of our labor will be better public health and a safer school environment. I appreciate your
attention and I welcome your questions and input.
Sincerely,
Roberto L. Rodríguez, MD, MPH
Medical Director, CHOA/AISD Student Health Services
512-324-8565
rlrodriguez1@seton.org
| IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS Early Childhood and Pre-Kindergarten Quick Reference: 2006-2007 School Year **Note--New Hepatitis A and Pnuemococcal Conjugate Vaccine Requirements** |
| Student Health Services Children’s Hospital of Austin Austin Independent School District |
| See Useful Links Below |