Recommended vaccines offered in the school health office
by Jenifer Hernandez
October 12, 2007
Dear Parents/Guardian,
I am writing this letter to inform parents about two vaccines
offered in the school health office. The vaccines are Human
Papillomavirus vaccine and Meningococcal Vaccine.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Today, approximately 20 million people in the nation are infected, including one in four 15 to 24 year olds. Certain strains of HPV cause most cases of cervical cancer. Texas has the second highest number of women suffering from this devastating disease in the nation. In 2006, there were 1,169 new cases and nearly 400 deaths from cervical cancer in the state. I am attaching an information sheet about the vaccine. The vaccine can be administered as early as 9 years old and as late as 26 years old, but it is most effective if administered before first sexual contact.
The Meningococcal Vaccine is important to consider if your child is going to go on to college. Meningococcal disease (meningitis) is a serious bacterial infection. Basically, the infection occurs in the fluid surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. It is spread by sharing drinking glasses, kissing, or being in crowded situation so college freshman that live in dorms are at risk. This vaccine is recommended for children ages 11 and older.
I am currently offering these vaccines here in the school health office. If you would like more information about the vaccine, please stop by my office or give me a call and I can provide you with more information. If you would like your child to receive the vaccine, please call or stop by my office during the hours of 8:00 am and 3:30 pm.
Thank you for your time,
Jenifer Hernandez, RN
