Free Back-to-School Vaccination Events in Harris County Precinct 4 Aim to Keep Kids Healthy and Ready for School
As summer draws to a close, parents across Harris County Precinct 4 are preparing their children for the start of a new school year—a time filled with excitement, last-minute supply shopping, and often, immunization updates.
For Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones, the importance of childhood vaccines is both professional and deeply personal. “As a mom of three, I know that nothing matters more to parents than the health of our children,”she said. “While we cannot shield our kids from every challenge life throws their way, we can protect them from serious diseases like measles, hepatitis, and chickenpox thanks to vaccines.”
Briones emphasized that vaccines remain a proven, safe way to prevent illness and safeguard the community. “For generations, vaccines have protected our children and safeguarded the health of entire communities. They are safe, fast, and effective. Getting vaccinated takes just a few seconds and can mean years of protection for your child and for others,” she said. Knowing that her own daughters are fully vaccinated, she shared, gives her “peace of mind”—a feeling she hopes every parent can share as the school year begins.
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Free Community Vaccination Events
To support parents, Harris County Precinct 4 is hosting multiple free back-to-school vaccination clinics throughout August. These events will not only provide required immunizations but many will also free backpacks, school supplies, and connections to local community resources.
August Events Include:
- Saturday, August 2: Back-to-School Resource Fair and Immunizations
- Location: Bayland Community Center, 6400 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77074 (MAP)
- Time: 9 AM - 1 PM
- Tuesday, August 5: Free School Immunizations, Stroke Prevention
- Location: Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Dr, Houston, TX 77042 (MAP)
- Time: 1 PM - 3 PM
- Wednesday, August 6: Back-to-School Bike Safety and Immunizations
- Location: Mary Jo Peckham Park, 5597 Gardenia Ln, Katy, TX 77493 (MAP)
- Time: 10 AM - 2 PM
- Monday, August 11: Immunization Services
- Location: Burnett Bayland Community Center, 6026 Chimney Rock Rd, Houston, TX 77081 (MAP)
- Time: 10 AM - 2 PM
- Tuesday, August 12: Immunization Services
- Location: Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Dr, Houston, TX 77042 (MAP)
- Time: 9 AM to 10 AM
- Wednesday, August 13: Immunization Services
- Location: Bayland Community Center, 6400 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77074 (MAP)
- Time: 10 AM - 2 PM
- Friday, August 15: Be Cool, Stay Healthy: School Immunizations
- Location: Freed Community Center, 6818 Shadyvilla Ln, Houston, TX 77055 (MAP)
- Time: 12 PM - 5 PM
- Tuesday, August 19: Free School Immunizations
- Location: Steve Radack Community Center, 18650 Clay Rd, Houston, TX 77084 (MAP)
- Time: 9 AM - 1PM
- Monday, August 25: Immunization Services
- Location: Burnett Bayland Community Center, 6026 Chimney Rock Rd, Houston, TX 77081 (MAP)
- Time: 10 AM - 2 PM
- Tuesday, August 26: Free Children's Immunizations
- Location: Steve Radack Community Center, 18650 Clay Rd, Houston, TX 77084 (MAP)
- Time: 9 AM - 1PM
Families are encouraged to bring their child’s vaccination records and identification for individuals over 18. Online sign-up is available at the Harris County Precinct 4 upcoming immunizations events page here.
2025–2026 Texas School Vaccine Requirements
For the upcoming school year, students must meet Texas’ minimum vaccination requirements before attending public or private schools. These include:
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Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DTaP/Tdap): Five doses for elementary students, with one Tdap booster required for seventh grade and another for grades eight through 12, depending on timing since the last dose.
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Polio: Four doses, with one on or after the fourth birthday (not required for individuals 18 or older).
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MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Two doses, with the first dose on or after the first birthday.
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Hepatitis B: Three doses (or two adolescent Recombivax® doses for ages 11–15 if properly documented).
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Varicella: Two doses, unless documented as previously having the illness.
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Hepatitis A: Two doses, with the first dose on or after the first birthday.
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Meningococcal (MCV4): One dose for students in seventh grade or higher, given on or after the student’s 11th birthday.
Medical and religious exemptions are allowed in Texas, but official exemption documentation must be filed with the school.
Why Vaccinations Matter
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that childhood immunizations remain one of the most effective tools in preventing outbreaks of serious diseases. Community vaccination rates also protect vulnerable individuals who cannot receive vaccines due to health conditions. The CDC warns that falling immunization rates can lead to the return of illnesses once largely eradicated in the U.S., including measles and whooping cough.
These free back-to-school vaccination events not only make it easier for families to meet school requirements but also strengthen community health ahead of the busy school year.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for updates on public health resources and future community events.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
