In March 2009, the Texas Department of State Health Services issued new immunization requirements for students entering kindergarten and seventh grade after August 1, 2009. The new requirements for these grade levels included the varicella (chicken pox) vaccine for incoming kindergarten students and seventh-graders.  Students entering seventh grade in August 2009 were also required to have tetanus/diphtheria/acellular pertussis (Tdap) and meningococcal vaccine.

The increased demand has resulted in a shortage of these vaccines in physicians' offices and clinics. 

On August 24, the Texas Department of State Health Services issued an emergency rule to delay the requirement for the following vaccines and grade levels:
• Meningococcal vaccine – 7th grade,
• Tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap) for students entering 7th grade and boosters for students entering grades 8 – 12, and
• Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine for students entering kindergarten and 7th grade.

All other immunizations in all other grade levels are still required for enrollment and attendance.

Proof of immunization for the meningococcal, tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap), and varicella (chicken pox) vaccines will be required by October 1, 2009, unless an additional extension is approved by the Department of State Health Services.

Please refer to the Texas Department of State Health Services Web site at
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/releases/20090824.shtm, your campus nurse, or NEISD Health Services at 210-804-7147 if you have questions.