KILLEEN, TX — In the state of Texas, parents and guardians have a right to claim exemption for their children from immunization requirements for medical, religious or philosophical reasons.
As exemption rates continue to increase in the Lone Star State, Central Texas physicians are doing what they can to make sure any children who need immunizations, but may not have access to them, get their chance.
On Wednesday, AdventHealth Central Texas partnered with the Greater Killeen Community Clinic to host a free immunization clinic for children.
Experts reported, maintaining adequate immunization rates in schools is critical to preventing disease outbreaks and ensuring the health of students and staff.
All summer long, AdventHealth Central Texas will host free immunization clinics for uninsured and Medicaid eligible children who are interested.
"Well the vaccines that we give are for diseases that, if left unvaccinated, could become potentially fatal in the community,” said Stephanie Roberts, a registered nurse with AdventHealth.
However, not all parents and guardians agree with the requirement.
If you look at exemptions from the 2017-2018 school year compared to the 2018-2019 school year, you can see increases in what they call conscientious exemptions. Those include exemptions for religious or philosophical reasons.
The AdventHealth Summer Immunization Schedule is as follows:
- Wednesday, July 10: Greater Killeen Community Clinic, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, July 30: AdventHealth Rollins Brook, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Thursday, August 8: Cove House Clinic, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, August 10: Copperas Cove YMCA, TBA
- Wednesday, August 14: Greater Killeen Community Clinic, 1p.m. to 4 p.m.
