Flu Vaccinations for Children in the State of Texas
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
February 8, 2016
RE: Flu Information on Campus Websites
Dear Superintendent and School Administration,
In 2007, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill No. 1059, also known
as the Emily Lastinger Act, which requires all public school districts
to post immunization information prominently on the school district's
website, if the district has one. The legislation was driven forward
because of Emily Lastinger, a vibrant and healthy three year old who
died from influenza. She was not vaccinated with the influenza vaccine.
In an effort to expand immunization awareness, especially for the flu,
we ask that you please post flu vaccine information on each individual
campus website in addition to your district site.
Contrary to popular belief, the influenza season often lasts until
mid-May. In a February 1, 2016 health alert, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that influenza activity is
increasing across the country. Because the flu can have a significant
impact on an educational setting, it is crucial that parents have access
to flu information and resources year round. Even though most children
infected with influenza recover with little to no complications, some
cases result in hospitalization and sometimes even death. In the
2014-2015 flu season, 19 influenza-associated pediatric deaths were
reported in Texas. No child should suffer like this: please encourage
parents to get the flu shot for their children and for themselves.
Visit www.TexasFlu.org for more information on the flu and the flu
vaccine. The website features helpful resources to post on your campus
webpages, like a "Flu Vaccine Finder" map to help find flu shot
providers in your area, and additional educational materials to use in
your district. You may also explore our website, www.hnmunizeTexas.com,
for more information on school immunization requirements and the flu
vaccine. To order additional copies of the flu materials that are
enclosed in this mailing, go to www.ImmunizeTexasOrderForm .com.
Together, we can fight the flu. Thank you for sharing this
information on your campus websites, showing your commitment to the
health and well-being of Texas students
Sincerely,
Monica Gamez
Infectious Disease Control Unit Director
An Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider
If you are a
resident of Clay County and you are interested in receiving a FLU shot
you can see your personal physician, visit the Henrietta Pharmacy, check
the newspaper for notice of the Health Department Clinics held at First
Baptist Church on the second Wednesday of the month, or see one of the
local physician listed below.
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Mitch Wolfe, MD
1110 W. Omega -
Henrietta, Tx. 76365
940-538-5054
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Lexi Mitchell Sanchez, DO
410 W. South Street
Henrietta, TX 76365
940-235-3403
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Michael A. Mitchell, DO
100 S. Archer
Henrietta, TX 76365
940-538-0245
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