Start-of-School Vaccine Checklist: Required Shots & Timeline

As the first day of school approaches, most parents are busy gathering supplies, adjusting sleep schedules, and making sure uniforms are ready. But one of the most important steps often overlooked until the last minute is ensuring your child is up-to-date on required vaccinations.

At M&C Children’s Clinic in El Paso, we help families navigate Texas school vaccine requirements so their children can start the year healthy, protected, and ready to learn.

Why Vaccines Matter for School Readiness

Vaccines are not just a formality for school enrollment. They protect your child and others in the classroom from serious, preventable diseases like measles, mumps, whooping cough, and meningitis. With high vaccination rates, schools become safer environments where outbreaks are less likely to occur.

Texas law requires all public and private school students to have certain vaccines unless a valid medical or conscientious exemption is filed. Staying compliant keeps your child in school and avoids delays or denials in registration.

Required School Vaccinations in Texas

Below is a quick overview of vaccine requirements by grade level, based on the latest Texas Department of State Health Services guidelines.

Pre-Kindergarten and Daycare

• DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
• Polio
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• PCV (Pneumococcal)
• Varicella (Chickenpox)

Kindergarten through 6th Grade

• 5 doses DTaP
• 4 doses Polio
• 2 doses MMR
• 2 doses Varicella
• 3 doses Hepatitis B
• 2 doses Hepatitis A

7th Grade

• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis booster)
• Meningococcal (MCV4)

8th through 12th Grade

• Must maintain all prior vaccinations
• Additional meningococcal booster may be required for college-bound students

Note: Some students may be on a catch-up schedule depending on previous health circumstances or missed appointments. Our providers will guide you through the best plan for your child.

When to Schedule School Vaccines

We recommend scheduling your child’s vaccine appointment 3 to 4 weeks before school starts, especially during the summer rush. This allows time for:

• Reviewing current immunization records
• Administering multiple doses if necessary
• Completing school-required forms
• Monitoring for any side effects

Waiting too long can result in delays in school attendance or missed sports eligibility.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

To ensure your visit is quick and efficient, bring:

• A copy of your child’s vaccination records
• Any school or athletic forms
• Insurance card or payment method
• A list of current medications or health concerns

If your child has received vaccines from other providers or in another country, we can review those records and create a compliant immunization plan.

Stay Compliant and Confident with M&C Children’s Clinic

At M&C Children’s Clinic, we make immunizations stress-free with:

• Same-day and walk-in availability
• Gentle, pediatric-trained staff
• Bilingual services in English and Spanish
• Digital access to vaccine records for school or sports forms

We’re proud to be a trusted resource for El Paso families and schools when it comes to vaccine compliance, safety, and education.

Schedule Your Child’s Vaccines Today

Avoid the last-minute scramble and keep your child protected.
📞 Call (915) 546-4140 or Book Online to schedule your child’s school vaccine appointment at M&C Children’s Clinic.

Let’s start the school year healthy and strong, together.

M&C Children’s Clinic
Compassionate, expert pediatric care in El Paso, TX
https://www.mcchildrens.com‍