Fresno Unified hosts immunization clinics as kids head back to school

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Students in the Valley's largest school district return to the classroom next week, but before they set foot on campus they need to be properly vaccinated.

For the next three weeks, Fresno Unified is offering a series of immunization clinics for students to be properly vaccinated.

School starts on August 14, and before students return to the classroom they must meet immunization requirements set by the state of California.

By law, records for students entering 7th grade and all new students will be checked. The law went into effect July 1, 2016, and eliminated religious and personal beliefs as reasons for opting out of the state's mandatory immunizations.

It requires all children be vaccinated before attending private schools, public schools, or day care facilities unless doctors determine medical reasons for not doing so.

All students entering seventh grade must show proof of current vaccination against whooping cough. Students entering kindergarten must be up to date on several vaccinations including T-Dap, mumps, and measles.

Monday morning, dozens of families took advantage of the district's free immunization clinic at Tioga Middle School. Parents say that's just one of several benefits along with convenience and availability.

"Because it is hard to get into the doctor sometimes," parent Leslie Martin said. "So we were going to try to go to the doctor but we couldn't get in until after. It is also nice that it is free. It helps us out financially."

The required vaccines depend on age.

Immunizations required for Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten are:

• 4 doses of Polio (3 if one dose was given on after 4yrs of age)
• 5 doses of Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) (4 if one dose was given on or after 4yrs of age)
• 2 doses of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (both MMR's on or after the 1st birthday)
• 3 doses of Hepatitis B
• 1 dose of Varicella (Chickenpox)

Immunization required to advance to 7th grade include:

• 1 dose of Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis booster (Tdap)
• 2 doses of Measles-containing vaccine (MMR)

The clinics will be held at Tioga and Sequoia middle schools. A parent or legal guardian must accompany the student with a current immunization record and insurance card.

Tioga Middle School - Room 36

3232 E. Fairmont Ave.

Aug. 7, 8*, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

*Tuesday, Aug. 8 noon-6 p.m.

Sequoia Middle School

4050 E. Hamilton Ave. Aug. 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31 and Sept. 1 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.