“Vaccinate before You Graduate” clinic Monday, May 7, 2012

Dear Parents,

 As of Jan. 1, 2012, incoming Texas college students under 30 years old must be immunized against bacterial meningitis before they enroll in an institution of higher education.

 The new law mandates that first-time college students, students transferring from another institution and students who are re-enrolling following a break of at least one fall or spring semester be inoculated against the illness. Students who plan to audit a course in the spring semester also must comply with the law. SB 1107, passed during the 82nd Legislative Session, expands a previous requirement that applied only to college students new to campus housing.

It is imperative that future and new students who plan to enroll for the spring, summer or fall 2012, semester, and thereafter, be vaccinated as soon as possible.  This means any student, graduated from high school, or still in high school, looking to take a course at any college will need to have a current material meningitis vaccine (MCV4).

In an effort to assist you in preparing your child for college, we will be hosting an immunization clinic at Clyde High School.  On Monday, May 7, 2012, the professors and students form Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing (PHSSN) will be here to offer our “Vaccinate before You Graduate” clinic.  PHSSN works in conjunction with the Texas Vaccines for Children grant program, and as such, can offer these needed immunizations at no cost for qualifying students.  To qualify for these FREE immunizations a family must meet at least one of the following criteria:

 • Medicaid eligible: A child who is eligible for the Medicaid program

• Uninsured: A child who has no health insurance coverage

• American Indian or Alaskan Native

• Enrolled in CHIP

Anyone who does not fall into one of the above qualifying categories will need to seek assistance from their physician or local Health Department.

 Our “VACCINATE BEFORE YOU GRADUATE” clinic will be held on Monday,  May 7^th, 2012.    This clinic will be held at Clyde High School during the school day and parents are not required to be present for administration of the immunizations, provided all of the necessary forms are completed.

 The 4 pages of forms may be printed from the school webpage at http://www.clyde.esc14.net/ under the nurse link or they may be picked up at the school office.  These forms MUST BE COMPLETED for your child to be eligible for this clinic.  All areas highlighted in yellow must be filled out, signed and returned to this office by April 30, 2012.