COVID-19 is a viral respiratory illness spread from person to person that causes symptoms such as fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, and cough. In serious cases, it can lead to respiratory failure, hospitalization, and death. There are many risk factors for severe COVID-19, including obesity, pregnancy, and certain chronic lung diseases. COVID-19 can be prevented by several prevention methods such as staying home from school and work when ill.

The General Appropriations Act, House Bill 1 (H.B. 1), Article II, Rider 40, is effective September 1, 2023. Rider 40 prohibits the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) from using appropriated funds to promote or advertise COVID-19 vaccinations.

Learn more:

• DSHS Immunizations | COVID-19 Rider 40
• CDC's COVID page.

Diphtheria starts with a sore throat, fever and chills, followed by a thick white or grey coating in the back of the throat. Which makes it hard to breathe or swallow. For some people, this coating can become so thick that they have difficulty breathing, which can lead to death. The diphtheria vaccine gives children protection without the risk of serious complications.

Learn more on the CDC’s diphtheria page or DSHS Vaccine Preventable Disease Conditions | Diphtheria.

Influenza (flu) is caused by viruses that can come in multiple strains. It can cause fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches, though in serious cases, the flu can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization, and/or death. Certain people such as young children and older adults are at risk for more serious infection. The flu is a seasonal illness that typically occurs around fall and winter. Getting annual flu vaccinations, washing your hands, and maintaining proper hygiene can protect against the flu.

Learn more on the CDC's Flu page.

DSHS Immunizations | TVFC Flu Statistics and Resources 

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the U.S. with more than 150 types. Most people will have HPV at some point in their lives. Some types can cause health problems including genital warts and certain cancers. HPV and its associated cancers can be prevented with getting vaccinated against HPV, getting screened for cervical cancer, and taking precautions if you are sexually active.

Learn more on the CDC's HPV page.

Meningococcal Disease is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. It can lead to meningitis (infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) and septicemia (blood infection). Complications of meningococcal invasive disease can result in permanent hearing loss, brain damage, loss of limbs, and death. Vaccines are available to prevent certain strains of meningococcal disease.

Learn more on the CDC’s meningococcal disease page or DSHS Vaccine Preventable Disease Conditions | Meningococcal Invasive Disease.

Tetanus is a serious disease caused by bacteria that live in soil, dust and manure. Also known as “lockjaw,” tetanus causes painful muscle contractions, often starting in the jaw and neck, that can make it hard to open the mouth or swallow. Tetanus can lead to death. The DTaP vaccine is the best way to give children protection from tetanus without the risk of serious complications of the disease.

Learn more on the CDC’s tetanus page or DSHS Vaccine Preventable Disease Conditions | Tetanus.

Although we do not see the vaccine-preventable diseases as frequently due to a higher rate of people getting immunized, these diseases continue to be very serious.

• Historically, diseases have had high hospitalization and/or mortality rates.
• Before immunizations were given in the United States:
• About 6,000 people died each year due to measles.
• During the 1920s, about 150,000 cases of diphtheria were reported and caused 14,000 deaths annually.
• Prior to 1979, about 35,000 people were infected with polio each year. Since then, the United States has been polio free because of immunizations.

During an immunization, you receive a weakened or inactivated form of the disease, which passes through your body without causing illness. Using this weakened form of the disease, your body produces antibodies and white blood cells to specifically combat the disease, thus providing immunity.

For example:

In most cases, when a child develops chickenpox (varicella), they get sick but are known to be immune to the disease once they recover. This immunity is developed because their body learns to recognize the disease where their antibodies then work to prevent the child from getting sick again.

Immunizations work the same way, except adolescents do not have to be subjected to the possible symptoms of the disease.

Yes, in most cases, immunizations are safe and effective and cause little to no side effects. Most reactions are mild such as fever, a bruise, or soreness at the injection site. Before immunizations are licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they are tested extensively to ensure their safety. Each person is unique and may react differently to an immunization. Very rarely, people have more serious side effects, but the benefits of immunizations far outweigh the risks they may have. Check with your doctor about pre-immunization screening and potential side effects.

Immunizations have succeeded in decreasing the number of infectious diseases that once posed a constant threat to the people around the globe. However, these vaccine-preventable diseases are still present throughout many of our communities. Without being properly immunized, you increase your risk of exposing you and your loved ones to these diseases. For more information visit the CDC's reasons to vaccinate.

Immunizations are the safest and most important way parents can protect their adolescents against vaccine-preventable diseases. The decision to immunize can be the difference between life and death.

For more information, contact your healthcare provider, local health department, or the Texas Department of State Health Services.

If your adolescent is exposed to a vaccine-preventable disease without protection, they increase their risk of getting sick. Symptoms of the disease could cause them to have a mild illness, be hospitalized, suffer permanent disability, or die.

There is also a possibility of your adolescent spreading these vaccine-preventable diseases to others if they’re not immunized. This could be especially dangerous if your adolescent comes into contact with someone who is unable to be immunized, such as immunocompromised individuals, infants, or the elderly.

Adolescents who didn’t begin their immunizations on time or have only gotten some of them can still be caught up. It’s never too late to be fully immunized. For more information on how to get your adolescent back on track with his/her immunization schedule, contact your healthcare provider.

Immunizations may be provided by your healthcare provider, at a nearby health clinic, local health department, or pharmacy.  

For more information on how to receive immunizations, contact your healthcare provider, local health department or find a provider.

If your adolescent is underinsured (insurance coverage that does not include immunizations or only selected immunizations) or is uninsured, they may qualify for the Texas Vaccines for Children Program.

The Texas Immunization Registry, ImmTrac2, provides a consolidated record of your adolescent’s immunizations. This confidential record allows you and your healthcare provider to see which immunizations your teen has received, and which ones remain, allowing your adolescent to stay up-to-date his/her immunizations.

For more information, visit ImmTrac2 Enrollment overview.

For more information on immunizations, contact your healthcare provider, local health department, the DSHS Immunization Section or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.