The State of Texas has set minimum immunization standards for students enrolled in Texas public schools. Students enrolled at Jim Ned must show proof of current immunizations upon enrollment. Please visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website for a list of required immunizations in English and Spanish, as well as, information regarding exemptions at www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/school/default.shtm


Where Do I go for immunizations? 

Abilene/Taylor County Department of State Health Services at 850 North 6th Street in Abilene holds an immunization clinic every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00-4:00. There is also a late clinic the first Tuesday of the month from 9:00 to 6:00. Fee is based on income.

No parent wants a child to miss school without good reason, but sending a sick child to school can make a condition worse and put other children at risk. The following guidelines can help make that tough decision. 

DO NOT keep a child at home for: 
1. Sniffles, runny nose, and a mild cough without fever. 
2. Vague complaints of aches, pains, or fatigue 
3. A single episode of diarrhea or vomiting without any other symptoms 

Keep a child home when he/she has: 
1. A fever of 100 degrees or more. Please keep a child home for at least 24 hours AFTER a fever subsides without the use of fever reducing medication. 
2. Persistent vomiting or diarrhea 
3. Strep throat for 24 hours after the first dose of medication. 
4. Undiagnosed rash with fever 
5. Head lice- until all lice are removed. Child must be checked by nurse before returning to class. 
6. A persistent productive cough and wheeze with thick constant nasal discharge 
7. Chickenpox- Stay home until blisters are scabbed over 
8. Pinkeye- yellow discharge, eyes matted together after sleep, eye pain and redness 
9. Unable to walk or talk due to difficulty breathing. No relief from asthma medications.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord (also referred to as the meninges). Meningitis can be caused by a virus, parasite/fungi, or bacteria. 

Symptoms 
Someone with Meningitis will become very ill. The illness may develop over one to two days, but it can also rapidly progress in a matter of hours. Symptoms may include: 
Severe headache, high temperature, vomiting, sensitivity to bright lights, neck stiffness, joint pain,drowsiness and/or confusion. There may be a rash of tiny red-purple spots or bruises caused by bleeding under the skin. 

How serious is Bacterial Meningitis? 
If it is diagnosed early and treated promptly the majority of people make a complete recovery. However, about 10% of cases can be fatal and up to 1 in 5 people may be left with a permanent disability, such as deafness, blindness, kidney damage, amputations, or brain damage (resulting in mental retardation or paralysis) even with prompt treatment. 

How is Bacterial Meningitis spread? 
It is spread from person to person through close contact through common everyday activities such as, sharing drinking containers, eating utensils, or cigarettes; kissing; or living in close quarters.
 
What is the risk of Bacterial Meningitis? 
The risk of getting Bacterial Meningitis for all age groups is about 2.4 cases for every 100,000 persons each year. However, the highest risk group for the most serious forms of the disease, Meningococcal Meningitis, is among 2 to 24 year olds. 

How is Bacterial Meningitis diagnosed? 
The diagnosis is usually based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory results from spinal fluid and blood. 

How can Bacterial Meningitis be prevented? 
Do not share food, drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or cigarettes and limit the number of persons you kiss. Vaccine is available and is recommended for young people and adults over 64. All students entering 7th grade are required to be immunized. As of January 1, 2012 students under 30 years of age who are entering college, institutions of higher learning, or technical/trade schools are required to be immunized. 
The vaccine is safe and effective (85-90%). It may cause mild side effects such as redness and pain at the injection site. Immunity develops within 7-10 days and lasts up to 5 years. 

What should you do if you think you or a friend might have Bacterial Meningitis? 
Seek immediate medical care 

For More Information 
Your family healthcare provider, school nurse and the local health department are excellent sources of information on all communicable diseases and will be able to assist you if you would like to receive the meningococcal vaccine. 
Additional information may also be found at: 
Texas Department of State Health Services- www.dshs.texas.gov
Voices of Meningitis- www.voicesofmeningitis.org