All immunizations required for school (Tetanus/Diphtheria, Polio, MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella) are being offered free of charge in the KHS nurse's office. Optional immunizations such as HPV(Gardasil for females only), Meningococcal, and Hepatitis A are available at no charge also. Flu shots are being given now to all students 18 and under. The CDC is recommending that every person receive a flu vaccine this year. These vaccines are made available through the Texas Vaccines for Children program. Consents are available in the nurse's office and must be signed by the parent/guardian before the vaccines will be given.

Texas law requires certain immunizations before enrolling at Kilgore High School. These shots must be kept up to date, a reminder will be sent home when a vaccination is due.

All children can receive free vaccinations from their county clinics or in the KHS nurse's office. Gregg County Clinic(903-237-2620), located on Hwy 80 in Longview, gives free immunizations Monday-Friday from 12:30-4:00 PM. Rusk County Clinic(903-657-7578) also offers free immunizations by appointment.

Students are given 30 days to get their required immunizations. New students coming from out of state must be current on immunizations before enrolling in school. New students coming from another country must have had a TB test along with all immunizations before enrolling.

Click on this link to find the list of immunizations required for Texas students:
www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/docs/school/6-14.pdf

Exemptions
The law allows:
A) Physicians to write a statement stating that the vaccine(s) required is medically contraindicated or poses a significant risk to the health and well-being of the child or any member of the child’s household.
B) Parents/guardians to choose an exemption from immunization requirements for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief.

The school maintains an up-to-date list of students with exemptions, so they can be excluded from attending school if an outbreak occurs. Instructions for the affidavit to be signed by parents/guardians choosing the exemption for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief can be found at www.ImmunizeTexas.com. For children needing medical exemptions, a written statement by the physician should be submitted to the school.