With the new school year fast approaching, Tulare County Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Haught urges parents to make sure their children are fully immunized before classes begin.

“Immunizations are a safe and effective way to help kids stay healthy by protecting them from serious diseases, such as whooping cough, hepatitis B and chickenpox,” said Dr. Haught. California schools are required to verify each child's immunization record to ensure that all required shots are completed.

Before entering kindergarten, children must have a total of five shots of DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), four of polio, three of hepatitis B, two of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and one of varicella (chickenpox). The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends that preteens and young adults get the following immunizations:

€ The new tetanus booster (Tdap). This vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). A Tdap booster shot will also help protect close contacts (e.g. infants) that may be at risk for more serious complications from the disease.

€ Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4). This vaccine protects against invasive meningococcal disease, a serious illness that can infect the blood and cause meningitis. It is recommended for preteens (11-12 years of age) and for all previously unvaccinated adolescents at high school entry and college freshmen living in dorms.

€ Chickenpox vaccine. A second dose of chickenpox vaccine is recommended for all children over 4 years of age who have not had the disease.

€ Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. This 3-shot series is now recommended for girls 11-12 years of age to prevent cervical cancer in adulthood. Other females ages 9-26 are also eligible to receive the vaccine.

Tulare County's Immunization Action Program will provide free immunizations, with no appointment necessary, to Vaccine For Children (VFC) eligible children, birth thru 18 years of age, at selected back-to-school clinics in Visalia, Tulare, Dinuba and Porterville. VFC eligibility includes children who have Medi-cal or are uninsured. A parent must be with the child and past immunization records must be brought if there are any. Children with private insurance (including Healthy Families Insurance) cannot be seen at these particular clinics.

The VFC clinics will be held as follows:

€ Dinuba - Tuesday, Aug. 7, 9-11 a.m., Dinuba Public Health Building, 1441 E. El Monte.

€ Tulare - Wednesday, Aug. 8, 4-7 p.m., Hillman Health Clinic Specialty Conference Room, 1062 S. K St.

€ Porterville - Wednesday, Aug. 15, 9-11 a.m., Porterville Public Health Building, 303 E. Olive.

€ Visalia - Monday, Aug. 13, 9-11 a.m., Washington Elementary, 500 S. Garden St.; Tuesday, Aug. 14, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Highland Elementary, 701 N. Stevenson; and Wednesday, Aug. 15, 3-5 p.m., Willow Glen Elementary, 310 N. Akers Road.

In addition, to these special clinics, IAP holds immunization clinics throughout the year in various County cities. For a schedule of these clinics or if you have immunization questions, call 687-6903. Individuals with private insurance can be referred to an appropriate clinic by calling the Information and Referral Line toll-free at 1-800-834-7121.

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