Back-to-School Vaccinations

Here at the Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD), we know the health and well-being of our community is a shared responsibility. By getting your child’s back-to-school vaccinations, you’re actively contributing to a safe and thriving learning environment for everyone. Together, let’s prioritize health, promote well-being, and make every academic year exceptional.

Why should students get vaccinated?

Vaccination protects students from diseases and keeps them healthy. By ensuring that you and your loved ones are up to date on vaccinations, you contribute to the creation of a healthy and thriving school environment.

When should students get their back-to-school vaccines?

The sooner you get your vaccines, the better. HCLHD recommends children get school vaccinations over the summer, preferably in June or July. At the end of summer, there is a rush to get vaccinated, causing long waits and overwhelmed clinics. Help our healthcare system by getting vaccinated early and skipping the rush.

How can uninsured and low-income students get vaccinated?

HCLHD participates in the Texas Vaccines for Children (TVFC) program, which provides low-cost vaccines to eligible children from birth through 18 years of age who meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Eligible for participation in the Medicaid program
• Enrolled in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)¹
• American Indian or Alaska Native (As defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603)
• Uninsured Children: Children who do not have health insurance²
• UNDERinsured: Children who have commercial (private) health insurance, but
  • Coverage does not include vaccines; or
  • Covers only selected vaccines (TVFC-eligible for non-covered vaccines only); or
  • Health insurance covers all vaccines, but the plan has a fixed dollar limit or cap on the amount that it will cover for vaccines (TVFC-eligible once fixed dollar amount or cap is reached).

^1. Though children whose insurance pays for vaccines do not qualify for TVFC vaccine, CHIP children do qualify by special arrangement.
^2. Underinsured children must be seen by a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Rural Health Clinic (RHC), or deputized clinic.

For information on low-cost adult immunizations, please see the Adult Safety Net Program.

What vaccines are offered through the TVFC?

The following vaccines are currently offered through the Texas Vaccines for Children program:

• DTaP
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hib
• HPV
• Influenza
• Measles, Mumps and Rubella
• MMRV
• Meningococcal
• Pneumococcal
• Polio
• Rotavirus
• Tdap/Td
• Varicella (Chickenpox)

Visit your child’s school website to find specific vaccinations needed for the upcoming school year.

Locations of the Texas Vaccines For Children (TVFC)

Call your selected provider to request an appointment today. Act fast, offices are beginning to get busy. The sooner you schedule an appointment to get your child vaccinated, the better. It’s recommended to call ahead and see if you need an appointment.

Buda
Pediatric Junction
211 Railroad St
Buda
512-312-5312

San Marcos
San Marcos Treatment Center
120 Bert Brown St.
San Marcos
512-396-8500

Hays County Local Health Department (Join us August 5 for our Back to School Fair! Vaccinations will be offered at this new facility beginning on this date.)
New Location: 101 Thermon Drive
San Marcos
Call 512-393-5530 to make an appointment.

CommuniCare Health Centers San Marcos
1941 S. I-35, STE 101
San Marcos
512-268-8900

Christus Trinity Clinic – San Marcos Primary Care
1320 Wonder World Drive, STE 101
San Marcos
512-393-1700

Wimberley
CommuniCare Health Center
203 Stillwater Ste 6
Wimberley
512-268-8930