Last Updated on May 16, 2025 by Brenda

Watch Here Unlocking Back to School Shots

Don’t wait until the last minute rush! As Tucumcari School Nurse Adella Vargas explained, ensuring your child is up-to-date on their vaccinations is a key requirement for school enrollment in New Mexico. Starting the process now gives you ample time to:

• Understand the Requirements: Each grade level has specific vaccine mandates. Knowing these now prevents last-minute scrambling.
• Schedule Appointments: With potential backlogs closer to the school year, acting early ensures timely appointments with your healthcare provider or Public Health.
• Address Multi-Dose Vaccines: Some vaccines require multiple doses spaced out over weeks or months. Starting now ensures completion before school starts.

Pre-K & Kindergarten: Laying a healthy foundation! These young learners need a series of immunizations, including MMR, Varicella, Polio, DTaP, Hib, and Hepatitis B. Don’t delay – some of these require time between doses.  If you are in doubt, take the time now to visit with your health care provider or if your child was vaccinated in New Mexico, you can check here https://vaxview.doh.nm.gov/

7th Grade: Moving into middle school brings the requirement for a Tdap booster and the Meningococcal vaccine. Mark your calendars!  Seniors: A crucial update! High school seniors in Quay County now need a second dose of the Meningococcal vaccine.

While the above are required, Nurse Adella also highlighted the importance of considering these recommended vaccines:

• Flu Vaccine: Offered annually at schools and readily available elsewhere. Helps minimize illness and absenteeism.
• COVID-19 Vaccine: While not mandated, it remains a vital tool in protecting your child and the school community.
• HPV Vaccine: A two-dose series recommended for the same age group as the 7th-grade boosters. Crucially protects against HPV-related cancers later in life.

Getting your child vaccinated in Quay County is accessible:

• Your Primary Care Physician: Your family doctor is a great first point of contact.
• Public Health: A fantastic local resource often offering free or low-cost vaccinations and summer shot clinics. Contact them now to learn about upcoming opportunities!  The Public Health Office participates in Got Shots which starts June 14th and provides prizes to children that get vaccinated.
• Tucumcari School-Based Health Center: While operating on a limited schedule (currently Mondays), it offers another avenue for some healthcare needs, including sports physicals.

Don’t let vaccinations become a last-minute stressor. By understanding the requirements now and utilizing the available resources in Quay County, you can ensure your child is “shot ready” for a healthy and successful school year. Take action today and unlock a worry-free start to the new academic year.  It will be here before we know it!