Meningitis Vaccination: A Must-Have for Texas College Students

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Heading to college in Texas, maybe EPCC or UTEP?  There’s more on the checklist than just textbooks and dorm supplies. One crucial item is often overlooked, yet the state mandates it: the meningitis vaccine.

What is Meningitis? Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Various pathogens can cause it, but bacterial and viral causes are the most common. There’s a heightened risk of contracting meningitis among college students, especially those living in dormitories, due to close living quarters, shared items, and social behaviors.

Why is the Vaccine Mandatory in Texas? In recent years, there have been several outbreaks of meningitis in college campuses nationwide, some with fatal outcomes. Being proactive in safeguarding its students, Texas has made it a requirement for most students entering Texas colleges and universities to be vaccinated against bacterial meningitis.

Who Should Get the Vaccine? Any student under 22 entering a public, private, or independent institution of higher education in Texas for the first time or after a break in enrollment must receive the vaccine. This applies to both full-time and part-time students.

When Should You Get Vaccinated? The vaccine must be administered at least ten days before the start of the semester. If you’ve been previously vaccinated, make sure to check the validity. The vaccine is typically valid for five years, after which a booster might be necessary.

Where Can You Get Vaccinated? Immunize El Paso is fully stocked and equipped to administer the meningitis vaccine. If you’re a soon-to-be college student or know someone who is, now is the time to act.

Protection Beyond Requirements While the vaccine is a state requirement, it’s also crucial in ensuring you remain healthy during your college years. College is a time of growth, learning, and building friendships. Don’t let illness stand in your way. Protect yourself and your community by getting vaccinated.

College life awaits, and while it’s filled with exciting challenges and experiences, health should never be compromised. Stay informed, get vaccinated, and confidently step into this new chapter.

For further details or to schedule your vaccination, contact us at Immunize El Paso.

National Vaccination Awareness Month: The Importance of Staying Immunized

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August marks National Immunization Awareness Month, a time to emphasize the significance of vaccinations in preventing diseases and ensuring public health. It’s a reminder that immunity, like many things in life, isn’t permanent. Over time, its protective shield can wane, making us susceptible to diseases we once thought safe.

Our commitment to the community’s health is unwavering at Immunize El Paso. As Daniel Acosta, the Director of Immunize El Paso, aptly puts it, “We have in stock all the vaccines a person will need from when they are infants to the elderly. In July and the first two weeks of August, we witnessed a commendable surge in the vaccination of children. Fortunately, this year has marked an uptick in overall vaccination rates.”

Why Vaccinate?

  • Protection from Deadly Diseases: Vaccines are our frontline defense against menacing viruses that cause diseases like measles, meningitis, hepatitis, flu, and polio.
  • Mitigating Infection Severity: Even if you contract a disease post-vaccination, the severity is often reduced, ensuring fewer complications and a quicker recovery.
  • Achieving Herd Immunity: When a significant chunk of the population gets vaccinated, it paves the way for herd immunity. This phenomenon makes it challenging for the virus to spread, safeguarding even those who haven’t been vaccinated.

Don’t Wait, Vaccinate! By getting vaccinated, you’re not just protecting yourself but also your loved ones. Moreover, you’re playing a pivotal role in shielding those who, due to medical reasons, can’t get vaccinated. This includes individuals with certain medical conditions or those with compromised immune systems.

Visit Us at Immunize El Paso We operate out of three clinics and accept various payment methods, including medical insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare. To get vaccinated, you can schedule an appointment at Appointments – Immunize El Paso or simply walk in. Remember to bring your immunization record; we’ll evaluate it and suggest any vaccines you might need based on your age.

Questions? Vaccines can be a topic riddled with myths and misinformation. If you have any queries about how vaccines function or their impact on the body, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (915) 533-3414. Your health and well-being are our topmost priority.

Stay safe, stay vaccinated!

Immunize El Paso’s July Back-to-School Vaccination Campaign: A Resounding Success!

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July’s Back-to-School Vaccination campaign was a huge success! Our Immunize El Paso Director hit the tv and radio airwaves to encourage parents to bring their children to our clinics for their school shots before school starts.

“Getting children in for their vaccinations is a major priority for us and it should be for parents too. Each school year we see hundreds of children for their school vaccines. Parents who are come in July are avoiding that back-to-school vaccination rush,” said Director Daniel Acosta.

School immunizations refer to the vaccines that are recommended or required for students before they return to school. These vaccinations help protect students and the wider community from various vaccine-preventable diseases.

The specific immunization requirements can vary based on the country, state, or region you’re in, as well as the grade level of the student. Commonly required or recommended vaccines for school-age children might include:

  1. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine: This vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella (German measles). These diseases can cause serious complications and are highly contagious.
  2. Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP/Tdap) Vaccine: This vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw), and pertussis (whooping cough). Pertussis can be especially dangerous for infants and young children.
  3. Polio Vaccine: This vaccine protects against polio, a viral infection that can cause paralysis.
  4. Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine: This vaccine protects against chickenpox, a highly contagious viral infection.
  5. Hepatitis B Vaccine: This vaccine protects against hepatitis B, a viral infection that can lead to liver disease.
  6. Hepatitis A Vaccine: This vaccine protects against hepatitis A, another viral infection affecting the liver.
  7. Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine: This vaccine helps protect against certain strains of meningococcal bacteria that can cause meningitis and bloodstream infections.
  8. HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine: This vaccine helps protect against certain strains of HPV, which can lead to various cancers later in life.
  9. Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: While not always required, the flu vaccine is often recommended annually to protect against seasonal influenza.

Parents and guardians are usually required to provide proof of immunization, which is usually documented in the form of an immunization record or certificate. If your child needs school vaccines, we welcome you to make an appointment: Appointments – Immunize El Paso