Ensuring your child’s immunizations are up to date is essential for school enrollment in Texas. Below, you’ll find important immunization resources, local clinic information, and details on exemptions.

Texas Immunization Requirements

Where to Get Immunizations

We’ve compiled a list of clinics and resources to help you find the most convenient location for your child’s vaccinations.

Local Immunization Clinics

• Address: 1113 E. Jefferson Blvd., Ste. 200, Dallas
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM
• Cost: $10 for the first visit, $5 for subsequent visits
• Phone: 214-819-2163

• Address: 23747 N. Stemmons Fwy., Room 159, Dallas
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM
• Phone: 214-819-2163

• Location: Trinity UMC, S. Clark Road, Duncanville
• When: 3rd Tuesday of each month, 5 PM - 7 PM
• Eligibility: Free immunizations for students with Medicaid or no vaccine insurance coverage (must bring complete shot record; parent/guardian must be present)

Pharmacies & Walk-in Clinics (Fees may apply; most insurance plans accepted)

• Red Oak: 105 Harris Ave. | 📞 866-389-2727 (Varicella vaccine may not be available)
• Cedar Hill: 385 E. Beltline Rd. | 📞 866-389-2727
• Mansfield: 2200 Matlock St. | 📞 866-389-2727

• Location: Ennis
• Phone: 972-875-8313

• Phone: 972-923-2440 (Call for requirements and eligibility)

• Phone: 903-874-6731

• Waxahachie: 972-923-4777
• Ennis: 972-875-0285

• 📞 Hotline: 800-252-9152

Vaccine Exemptions

Texas law allows for exemptions to required immunizations for medical reasons or reasons of conscience (including religious beliefs). Parents/guardians seeking an exemption must submit the appropriate documentation.

For more information on exemption requirements and forms, visit:  Texas DSHS Exemption Information

Required Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screenings

• Children who turn 4-years-old by September 1, kindergartners or any other first-time entrants (4 years* through 12th grade) - screening must be done within 120 days of admission

• 1st-, 3rd-, 5th- and 7th graders - screening must be done anytime within the school year (preferably within 120 days)

• Girls (two times) - screening must be done at age 10 (or fall semester of grade 5) and age 12 (or fall semester of grade 7)

• Boys (one time) - age 13 or 14 (of fall semester of grade 8)

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year.

The upcoming season's flu vaccine will protect against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. This includes an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and one or two influenza B viruses, depending on the flu vaccine.

Person to Person

People with flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away. Most experts think that flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose.

To avoid this, people should stay away from sick people and stay home if sick. It also is important to wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick should not be shared without washing thoroughly first. Eating utensils can be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap and do not need to be cleaned separately. Further, frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected at home, work and school, especially if someone is ill.

The Flu Is Contagious

Most healthy adults may be able to infect other people beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than 7 days. Symptoms start 1 to 4 days after the virus enters the body. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Some people can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms. During this time, those persons may still spread the virus to others.

Source: cdc.gov

West Nile virus (WNV) is most commonly transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. You can reduce your risk of being infected with WNV by using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites. There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent WNV infection. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. About 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms. Less than 1% of infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, neurologic illness.

Prevention & Control

The most effective way to avoid West Nile virus disease is to prevent mosquito bites. Be aware of the West Nile virus activity in your area and take action to protect yourself and your family.

Avoid Mosquito Bites

• Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection. To optimize safety and effectiveness, repellents should be used according to the label instructions.

More information about insect repellents can be found here.

• When weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent will give extra protection. Don't apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Do not spray repellent on the skin under your clothing.
• Take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing from dusk to dawn or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

• Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside. Use your air conditioning, if you have it.
• Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires, and birdbaths on a regular basis.

Help Your Community West Nile Virus Surveillance and Control Programs

• Support your local community mosquito control programs. Mosquito control activities are most often handled at the local level, such as through county or city government. The type of mosquito control methods used by a program depends on the time of year, the type of mosquitoes to be controlled, and the habitat structure. Methods can include elimination of mosquito larval habitats, application of insecticides to kill mosquito larvae, or spraying insecticides from trucks or aircraft to kill adult mosquitoes. Your local mosquito control program can provide information about the type of products being used in your area. Check with your local health department for more information. Contact information may be found in the blue (government) pages of the phone book.

More information about mosquito control can be found here.

Resources for vector control professionals are located here.

• Report dead birds to local authorities. Dead birds may be a sign that West Nile virus is circulating between birds and the mosquitoes in an area. By reporting dead birds to state and local health departments, you can play an important role in monitoring West Nile virus. State and local agencies have different policies for collecting and testing birds, so check with your state health department to find information about reporting dead birds in your area.

Additional Information about Insect Repellents

• Protection against Mosquitoes, Ticks, & Other Insects & Arthropods (CDC)
• National Pesticide Information Center

Source: cdc.gov

Zika is primarily spread through mosquito bites (Aedes aegypti species). As the weather warms and mosquito activity increases, we expect the threat of local mosquito transmission of Zika to resume and persist. Pregnant women are particularly at risk due to the Zika virus’ ability to cause birth defects in unborn infants. We must ensure that their families and their communities are educated on ways they can prevent the spread of Zika. The public health measures we take together will help prevent serious health impacts on the next generation of Texans.

Combatting Zika begins at the local level. When done in concert, these simple steps represent a big step toward preventing the spread of Zika:

• Apply EPA-approved insect repellant when planning to be outdoors.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and wear long pants when outdoors for prolonged periods.
• Utilize screens or close windows and doors.
• Regularly remove any standing water in and around your home or school that could provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Cover trash cans or containers that may collect water.
• Visit your doctor if you suspect you’ve been exposed to Zika or exhibit any of the symptoms of Zika, which may include fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes.

Faith Family Academy is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all students. As flu season arrives and public concerns over infectious diseases grow, the district has taken proactive measures to ensure that classrooms are safe, clean, and comfortable for students and staff.

In addition to disinfecting school buildings twice a day, the district has purchased a state of the art sanitization system for all of its buildings. The system, purchased from GenEon Technologies, uses a non-toxic, ultra-fine particle fogger to mist entire rooms and areas of the school. The particles are able to reach places that are unreachable by traditional cleaning methods. The GenEon system is effective at killing 99.999% of germs and is safe for students.

Faith Family Academy

Student Nutrition/Wellness Policy

Approved by School Board last on September 19, 2014

Purpose and Goal:

The link between nutrition and learning is well documented. Healthy eating patterns are essential for students to achieve their full academic potential, full physical and mental growth, and lifelong health and well-being. Healthy eating is linked to reduced risk for mortality and development of many chronic diseases as adults. Schools have a responsibility to help students and the staff, establish and maintain lifelong, healthy eating patterns. Well-planned and well implemented school nutrition programs have been shown to positively influence students eating habits.

All students shall possess the knowledge and skills necessary to make nutritious and enjoyable food choices for a lifetime. In addition, staff is encouraged to model healthy eating and physical activity as a valuable part of daily life. Faith Family Academy shall prepare, adopt, and implement a comprehensive plan to encourage healthy eating and physical activity. This plan shall make effective use of school and community resources and equitably serve the needs and interests of all students and staff, taking into consideration differences in cultural norms.

Component 1: A Commitment to Nutrition and Physical Activity

• A.Faith Family Academy Board of Trustees shall appoint a School Health Advisory Committee (SHAC). One of its missions shall be to address nutrition and physical activity issues and to develop, implement, and evaluate guidelines that support a healthy school nutrition environment.
• B.This committee shall offer revisions to these guidelines annually or more often if necessary.
• C.Principals will address concerns such as kinds of foods available on their campus, sufficient mealtime, nutrition education, and physical activity.
• D.Nutrition education shall be integrated across the curriculum and physical activity will be encouraged.
• E.The school food service staff will participate in making decisions and guidelines that will affect the school nutrition environment.

Component 2: Quality School Meals

• A.Faith Family Academy will offer breakfast and lunch programs. Students and staff are highly encouraged to promote and participate in these programs.
• B.School food service staff will be properly qualified according to current professional standards. Food service staff will regularly participate in professional development activities.
• C.Food safety will be a key part of the school foodservice operation.
• D.Menus will meet the nutrition standards established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Texas Department of Agriculture, conforming to good menu planning principles, and featuring a variety of healthy choices that are tasty, attractive, of excellent quality, and are served at the proper temperature.
• E.Students will be given the opportunity to provide input on local, cultural, and ethnic favorites.
• F.School personnel, along with parents, will encourage students to choose and consume full meals. Positive nutrition statements will be provided to students.

Component 3: Other Healthy Food Options

• A.The SHAC will develop and recommend to the administration, guidelines on nutrition standards for food and beverages offered through parties, celebrations, social events, and any school functions (including concession stands at sporting and academic events) in compliance with Smart Snacks.
• B.No foods or beverages other than those provided through the school food service department may be made available to students at any time except for birthday celebrations (parent initiated) and three celebrations/party days per year to be determined by campus personnel. Parents may provide snacks purchased from a grocery store, bakery or School Food Service for their child’s class for his/her birthday. If parents bring in food from the outside, they must notify the teacher AND supply a list of ingredients to the campus nurse one week in advance of the birthday. This is due to food allergies that students may have. The form is provided in the front office. Parents have the option of purchasing birthday snacks from the School Food Service; snacks follow the Smart Snack Guidance.
• C.School staff shall not use food as a reward for student’s accomplishments.
• D.The withholding of food as punishment for students is prohibited. For example, restricting a child’s selection of flavored milk at mealtime due to misbehavior in the classroom is prohibited.
• E.The school district will provide nutritional information to parents that will encourage parents to provide safe and nutritious foods for their children.
• F.Follow Smart Snack Guidance for all fundraising activities.

Component 4: Pleasant Eating Experiences

• A.Drinkable water will be available for students at meals and throughout the day.
• B.A short snack-free recess for elementary campuses is encouraged to be scheduled sometime before lunch so that children will come to lunch less distracted and ready to eat.
• C.School personnel will assist all students in developing the healthy practice of washing hands before eating.
• D.The school should not schedule tutoring, pep rallies, assemblies, club/organizations meetings, fire drills or other activities during meal times.
• E.Adequate time to eat in a pleasant dining environment should be provided. The minimum eating time for each child after being served will be 10 minutes for breakfast and 20 minutes for lunch.
• F.Schools will encourage socializing among students, and between students and adults. Adults will properly supervise dining rooms and serve as role models to students by demonstrating proper conduct and voice level. Parents are highly encouraged to dine with students in the cafeteria.
• G.Creative and innovative methods will be used to keep noise levels appropriate.

Component 5: Nutrition Education

• A.Faith Family Academy will follow health education curriculum standards and guidelines as stated by the Texas Education Agency. Schools will link nutrition education activities with the coordinated school health program.
• B.Students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12^th grade will receive nutrition education that is interactive and teaches the skills they need to adopt healthy eating behaviors. Teachers are encouraged to integrate nutrition education into core curriculum areas such as math, science, social studies, and language arts as applicable.
• C.Nutrition education will be offered in the school dining room and in the classroom, with coordination between school foodservice staff and teachers
• D.Teachers can display posters, videos, websites, etc. on nutrition topics.
• E.Faith Family Academy campuses will participate in nutrition education activities and promotions that involve students, parents, and the community. The school nutrition team responsible for these activities will be composed of Child Nutrition service staff, student services staff, school nurses, health teachers, PTSO and physical education coaches.

Component 6: Marketing

• A.Students will receive positive, motivating messages, both verbal and non-verbal, about healthy eating and physical activity throughout the school setting. All school personnel will help reinforce these positive messages.
• B.Schools will consider student’s needs in planning for a healthy school nutrition environment. Students will be asked for input and feedback and attention will be given to their comments.
• C.Schools will promote healthy food choices and will not allow advertising that promotes less nutritious food choices.
• D.Healthy eating and physical activity will be actively promoted to students, parents, teachers, administrators, and the community at registration, PTSO meetings, Open Houses, Health Fairs, teacher in-services, etc.

Component 7: Implementation

• A.The SHAC shall be composed of parents, students, and school district staff. Each campus principal shall select parents, teachers, and a nurse, a representative from the cafeteria staff, public representatives, and students to serve on the SHAC.
• B.The SHAC members from each campus will conduct a review of their respective campuses in the fall semester of each year to identify areas for improvement and report their finding to the campus principal and develop with him/her a plan of actions for improvement.
• C.The SHAC will meet a minimum of 4 times per school year.