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Vaccines required for school admission
For Jamie Jones, LISD director of health, the day ended with her dispensing more than 100 vaccinations to students to help them comply with state statutes. And Mrs. Jones, a registered nurse, said about 75 students who already attend the LISD still require a tetanus booster before the new school term begins. "I have sent notices to the parents that students will not be allowed to begin classes unless they are vaccinated," said Mrs. Jones. State law outlines vaccine requirements for students in prekindergarten through 12th grade, with two additional shots needed for 3- and 4-year-olds. Parents who object to these mandatory vaccinations, however, may file with the state for an exemption affidavit form, but this must be completed before a student can be admitted to school. Vaccinations required include diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (more commonly known as DPT); polio; and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). Also required is a Hepatitis B shot and a varicella vaccine (chicken pox). Children ages 3 and 4 also must have a Hepatitis A shot and a pneumococcal vaccination. Mrs. Jones provided numerous vaccines Thursday, with some kids needing as many as six shots to be on par with state standards. The LISD is a provider of free vaccines for children, and it will continue to offer shots as needed for students, she said. Also, the Texas Department of Health, 500 E. Eighth St., will hold a shot clinic Aug. 16 from 8 a.m. to noon. Other opportunities for vaccinations will be during Lampasas High School registration Monday and again Aug. 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the school library. "Students will not be allowed to start school (or even get their schedule) unless they have the required vaccinations," Mrs. Jones said. "We have had instances where students on the first day of school who have not had their shots had to wait in the office until a permission slip is signed by parents to allow their children to get the shot they need to start school." It's the law, she said. Students must have the required vaccinations to attend school. Most new students bring their shot records from previous physicians or schools attended, but for those who show up without them, the records can be accessed through a state database. If that doesn't work, a youngster can always repeat the necessary shots, Mrs. Jones said, although that is not an ideal situation for the student, she added. * * * In other LISD health news, Mrs. Jones said the district again will provide its Steps program that features monthly weigh-ins and various exercise programs -- all led by district volunteers. School personnel and community residents can participate in the program for $6 per month. "The program has gone over very well in the district, and we have a number of local residents who, along with teachers, take advantage of it." Last year, classes were offered for yoga, weight training, walking and cardio workouts. A schedule of classes will be available after the start of the new school year. Mrs. Jones also anticipates training for a half-marathon -- 13.1 miles of running/walking. That should start in the fall. * * * Fitness tests for LISD thirdthrough 12th-grade students are to be given in the fall, and will include aerobic capacity, flexibility and body mass. The Texas Education Agency uses the results for state comparisons and new health initiatives for school districts. |
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