West Nile Virus
The mosquitos are back with the warmer, humid weather.Protect yourself from West Nile Virus.
The West Nile Virus is a virus transmitted by mosquitos. It has been prevalent in the US since 1999. An infected mosquito bites a person and the virus may be transmitted to them causing no symptoms or a mild flu-like illness. The CDC recommends reducing contact with mosquitos by taking the following steps:
- wear long sleeved shirts, long pants while outside.
- Spray exposed skin with insect repellent with DEET.
If you would like your student to have insect repellent available at school a form is available on the form section of this webpage. Please complete the form and send the form with the mosquito repellent to your child's school clinic.
Free Vaccines
The Care Van will provide free vaccines in the school clinic for all students up to age 18 for the last time this school year on Tuesday May 14. You may enter the building at the bus circle entrance. Clinic hours are: 4:00-6:30. A parent or guardian must be present for students under age 18.
Free vaccines are also available at MAM, located at 1625 Blalock Rd, 77080, 4:00-6:30 pm on May 22. A parent must accompany the student. Vaccines are available free for newborns through 18 years of age.
The vaccine clinics for August will be posted in August. Plan ahead and get your required vaccines now! Beat the rush and be ready for the start of school, August 26, 2013.
Meningitis Vaccine Recommended for Seniors Attending College
Are you a Senior with plans of attending College next fall? You may need to get some shots before you go. Many colleges require a Meningitis shot along with updated Tetanus (Tdap) and Measles. Check with your medical provider. The following information is provided to you so you may decide if you want to get this vaccine. If you have any questions, please call the clinic at 713-251-3125.
What is Meningitis?
Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness. It is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2 through 18 years old in the United States. Meningitis is an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningococcal disease also causes blood infections. About 1,000 - 2,600 people get meningococcal disease each year in the U.S. Even when they are treated with antibiotics, 10-15% of these people die. Of those who survive, another 11-19% loses their arms or legs, become deaf, have problems with their nervous systems, become mentally retarded, or suffer seizures or strokes. Anyone can get meningococcal disease. But it is most common in infants less than one year of age and people with certain medical conditions, such as lack of a spleen. College freshmen who live in dormitories and teenagers 15-19 have an increased risk of getting meningococcal disease.
Who should get Meningitis vaccine?
A dose of MCV4 is recommended for children and adolescents 11 through 18 years of age. This dose is normally given during the routine preadolescent immunization visit (at 11-12 years). Students in grades 7 through 11 for 2013-2014 school year are required to have this vaccine in order to attend school. Meningococcal vaccine is also recommended for other people at increased risk for meningococcal disease in particular, College freshmen living in dormitories.
Meningococcal Vaccine
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) was licensed in 2005. It is the preferred vaccine for people 2 through 55 years of age. MCV4 prevents 4 types of meningococcal disease. Meningococcal vaccines cannot prevent all types of the disease. But they do protect many people who might become sick if they didn’t get the vaccine.
Where you can get the vaccine
MCV4 is available at most doctor offices, public health clinics, and other locations where immunizations are provided. The vaccine is generally free to students under age 18. For more information, contact your family doctor or pediatrician, your school nurse, or your local health department.