Kathleen Ingrando, R.N., M.S.
Program Manager
Main number: 713-767-3411
Administrative Support Line: 713-767-3410
Purpose
The purpose of the Immunization Program is:
to prevent and control vaccine-preventable diseases
provide and administer vaccines
promote age-appropriate vaccination of all Texans
conduct disease surveillance activities; assess vaccine coverage levels
and establish partnerships and collaborations with public and private participants who share the common vision of community well-being to improve the quality and longevity of the people in Health Service Region 8
Activities
Recruiting and retaining providers for the Texas Vaccines For Children Program (TVFC)
The TVFC Program provides vaccines at no cost to providers to in turn, provide it to eligible children at little or no cost. Providers include licensed Medical Doctor, Doctor of Osteopathy, Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant. HSR 6-5 South Immunization staff work to recruit non-traditional providers to include school districts, emergency medical technicians and pharmacists. Eligible children include: uninsured or underinsured children, children who are covered by CHIP, Native American or Alaskan Native children and children on Medicaid.
For more information on the TVFC Program or to enroll as a provider, please contact Cindy Martinez at 1-800-41-SHOTS.
Promoting Adolescent and Adult Vaccinations
Vaccines for Adolescents Age 11-12
By the time children reach age 11 to 12 years of age immunity to some of the vaccines they received as young children has started to wane. Other vaccines are recommended at this age to protect adolescents from risks they may encounter as they get older.
Tdap - A booster dose for protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough) is due at 11-12 years of age.
Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV)
Human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) for girls only to protect against the virus that causes 70% of cervical cancer in women.
Vaccines for All Adults
Adults don't like to think about it, but they need immunizations too. Immunity to tetanus and diphtheria wanes over time and other vaccines are needed based on age and activities.
Td (tetanus-diphtheria) booster is recommended for all adults every 10 years.
One dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) substituted for one dose of Td, is recommended for all adults up through 64 years of age.
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for adults at risk.
MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine for adults who have never had these diseases. Some adults born after 1956 may not be immune to these diseases because the vaccines were not required when they entered school and the diseases were not circulating as widely because vaccines were coming into use.
Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine for adults who have never had chickenpox.
Vaccines for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women need vaccines to protect themselves and other vaccines to protect the baby immediately after birth.
Influenza vaccination is recommended for all women who will be pregnant during influenza season which usually runs from November through March in the United States. Women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy are at greater risk for hospitalization from influenza.
To prevent tetanus in newborns, pregnant women should receive Td (tetanus and diphtheria) vaccine if it is needed. Women should talk to their doctors about this.
Pregnant women and adolescents who have not received the new vaccine for the prevention of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) should talk to their doctors about receiving it right after delivery. Vaccinating a new mother against pertussis (whooping cough) reduces the risk to her infant too.
It is safe for a woman to receive vaccines right after giving birth, even while breast feeding.
Vaccines for Adults Age 50 and Older
Influenza vaccine is recommended for all adults age 50 years and older.
Vaccines for Adults Age 65 and Older
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV)
Shingles (Herpes zoster) vaccine
Promoting the effective use of the statewide Immunization registry, ImmTrac
ImmTrac is designed to consolidate immunization records from multiple sources throughout the State, and offers many benefits to health care providers and their young patients. HSR 6-5 South Immunization staff provide assistance for enrolling in ImmTrac, education and training on use of the registry or assisting in locating a shot record.
Determining the vaccine coverage levels in Health Service Region 6-5 South
HSR 6-5 South Immunization Program determines the vaccine coverage levels in HSR 6-5 South by conducting population assessments in childcare facilities, public and private schools and in counties using the Texas Country Retrospective Immunization School Survey (TCRISS).
Providing immunization education to the public and medical providers
HSR 6-5 South Immunization Program provides education and educational materials to the public on the importance of vaccines, vaccine-preventable diseases and promotes vaccines and immunizations during National Infant Immunization Week in April and Adult Immunization Week in November.
HSR 6-5 South Immunization Program provides education and training to providers on immunization recommendations and requirements, vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases and surveillance, vaccine storage and handling, vaccine inventory reporting, Texas Vaccines For Children program requirements, ImmTrac, recall/reminder systems and minimum state vaccine requirements for children and students as well as information on CDC immunization trainings and conferences.
For free immunization educational materials and literature visit https://secure.immunizetexasorderform.com/default.asp
Collaborating and partnering with others to improve vaccine coverage levels and promote immunizations
HSR8 Immunization Program works with community and civic groups, schools, faith-based organizations and other agencies to promote immunizations and provide immunization information and education to these groups and the public.
If you have any comments or suggestions, please contact us.