Back To School Vaccines
Don't Wait. Vaccinate. As summer goes by quickly, it is important to ensure your child has all the necessary immunizations as we approach the new school year. Act now to prioritize their health and readiness.
At Spring Branch Community Health Center, we offer a full range of vaccinations to patients of all ages. Our immunization services are just part of our commitment to bringing comprehensive care to all the communities we serve.
Certain vaccinations are required by specific grades levels or age groups. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a recommended immunization schedule to follow.
According to the CDC, preschool and elementary school aged children, between the ages of 3 and 10, need additional doses of some of the vaccines they received in their infant and toddler years. Those include:
- Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis) (DTaP) (5th dose)
Polio (IPV) (4th dose) - Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) (2nd dose)
- Chickenpox (varicella) (2nd dose)
As protection from childhood vaccines wears off, preteens and adolescents also need additional vaccines to extend that protection. For kids and teens, ages 11 through 18, the CDC recommends:
- Meningococcal conjugate (two doses; the first around ages 11-12 and a second at age 16)
- HPV (two doses) (at ages 11-12 and a second dose 6-12 months later)
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (pertussis) (Tdap) (one dose around ages 11-12)
As your child heads to college, make sure all vaccinations are up to date and that he or she has a copy of all immunization records. If you have questions about what immunizations your child needs before heading back to school, talk to his or her pediatric provider.
The HPV Vaccination
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Almost everyone will encounter HPV at some point in their lives. While most HPV infections resolve on their own within two years, some can persist and eventually lead to cancer. HPV is transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact and can be contracted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected individual. While there is no foolproof method of preventing all cases of HPV, there are effective ways to reduce the risk of infection significantly.
One effective way to reduce the risk of HPV infection is by getting vaccinated. The HPV vaccination can prevent over 90% of cancers caused by HPV. These vaccines can prevent infection from certain types of the virus, including those linked to HPV-related cancers and anal/genital warts. HPV vaccines stimulate the body to produce antibodies that can bind to the virus and prevent it from infecting cells in future encounters with HPV. It is important to note that vaccines are approved and recommended for use in both males and females between the ages of 9 and 12. Additionally, HPV vaccinations are recommended for everyone up to 26 years of age if they have not already been vaccinated. The American Cancer Society (ACS) does not recommend HPV vaccination for persons older than 26.
Walk-in Vaccine Clinic
Our Cy-Fair Clinic hosts a walk-in vaccine clinic on Thursdays and Fridays. This event is designed to accommodate students, ensuring they can stay in school and be ready to learn without the need to schedule a well-child care visit!
Please note that this clinic is exclusively for Medicaid and uninsured patients.
- For uninsured patients, vaccines are available for $13 each.
- A parent or legal guardian must accompany children under 18.
- For vaccines, immunization records and a school nurse letter are required.
We will ensure that your child meets all school vaccination requirements. If your child requires a pediatric visit, walk-ins are welcome, but appointments can be scheduled by calling (713) 387-7180 or visiting https://sbchc.net/makeanappointment/.
- Location: SBCHC - Cy-Fair Clinic, 7777 Westgreen Blvd, Cypress, TX 77433
- Dates: every Thursday and Friday
- Times: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
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We appreciate the invaluable support from our donors and volunteers. With your help, we are able to continue providing the best possible healthcare to our patients.
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