Vaccine Awareness Coalition

08/02/2025

08/02/2025

School Supply Train ✏️📚 🚂

07/15/2025

🎒🚂 Hop on the School Supply Train! 🚂🎒

We’re so excited to be part of this year’s School Supply Train event again at The ROC First Baptist Church of Longview (212 E. South Street) on Saturday, August 2nd from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm! 🎉

📌 This event is for any new or returning student enrolled in public school, and it’s a must-attend for families getting ready for back-to-school season!

💉 We will be providing vaccines on-site — especially for incoming Kindergarteners and 7th graders who may need updated immunizations.
👉 Please bring your child’s shot records so we can see exactly what vaccines they may need!

✨ FREE Resources Offered:
✔️ Vision Screenings
✂️ Haircuts
💊 Health Screenings
💉 Vaccines (with shot records)
🏫 Support from Local School Districts
🍔 Outdoor Activities & Lunch
👕 School Supplies, Uniform Shirts (LISD only), and Shoes!

🧾 What to bring:
• Parent ID (Driver’s License or Government ID)
• Proof of enrollment for each child (Report Card or School Schedule)

🖊️ In-Person Registration Only!

Come early, have fun, and get your child everything they need for a strong start to the school year! 💪📚 Let’s get ready for a healthy and successful school year—see you there!

06/25/2025

Join us at Buckner’s Faith and Family Day at the Texas Rangers on Sunday, July 27th!

06/16/2025

📚✏️ Back-to-School Reminder! ✏️📚

It’s hard to believe, but the new school year is right around the corner! 🚌 Before the rush begins, don’t forget to schedule your child’s back-to-school vaccines. Staying up to date on immunizations keeps your child healthy and helps protect their classmates too.

✅ Don’t wait until the last minute!
Appointments fill up fast as the first day of school gets closer.

📞 Contact your child’s primary care provider or reach out to your local health department today to make an appointment.

A little planning now means a smoother, healthier start to the school year! 💉🗓️

05/20/2025

FBSS Resource Fair

05/14/2025

Protect Your Grad’s Future—Starting with Their Health!

As we celebrate our amazing graduates, let’s make sure they’re fully protected against bacterial meningitis—a serious illness that spreads easily in shared living spaces like dorms.

College students need TWO vaccines for full protection:
1. MCV4 – protects against serogroups A, C, W, and Y
2. MenB – protects against serogroup B, the most common in the U.S.

Make sure both are on your student’s checklist before heading to campus.
Because a healthy start is the best gift you can give.

04/09/2025

Educating adults on the importance of vaccines and helping them get signed up for ImmTrac2—the Texas Immunization Registry!

Whether you’re catching up on recommended shots or just want to stay protected, we’re here to support you with the info and tools you need.

Let’s stay informed, stay healthy, and keep our families safe—one vaccine at a time!

03/15/2025

“Most of the time, it’s just the rash, and the kids do OK,” said Gregg County Health Authority Dr. Lewis Browne. “But some of them develop a high fever, a severe lung infection, or encephalitis. That’s inflammation of the brain.”

A measles outbreak in Texas, New Mexico and now New Jersey has state and local health officials on alert.

03/13/2025

🚨 Measles Outbreak in Texas: Stay Informed and Protected 🚨

Texas is currently facing a significant measles outbreak, with 223 confirmed cases reported as of March 11, 2025. This situation underscores the critical importance of vaccination and public awareness. 

Key Details:
• Affected Areas: The outbreak is primarily concentrated in the South Plains region, including Gaines County and surrounding areas. 
• Vaccination Status: A substantial number of those infected were unvaccinated, highlighting the necessity of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is 97% effective with two doses.
• Severity: There has been at least one reported death associated with this outbreak, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

Recommended Actions:
• Verify Vaccination Records: Ensure that you and your family members are up-to-date with the MMR vaccine. 
• Recognize Symptoms: Be vigilant for signs such as high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash.
• Seek Medical Advice: If you suspect exposure or exhibit symptoms, contact a healthcare provider promptly.

For comprehensive and updated information, please refer to the Texas Department of State Health Services: 

Staying informed and proactive is essential to safeguard our communities.

Measles Outbreak – March 11, 2025 News Updates March 11, 2025 The Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting an outbreak of measles in the South Plains region of Texas. At this time, 223 cases have been identified since late January. Twenty-nine of the patients have been hospitalized.....

03/13/2025

🚨 Know the Signs of Measles! 🚨

Measles is highly contagious and can spread before symptoms even appear. Be on the lookout for:

🔴 High fever (may spike over 104°F)
🔴 Cough, runny nose, & red, watery eyes
🔴 White spots in the mouth (Koplik spots)
🔴 Red, blotchy rash that starts on the face & spreads

If you suspect measles, stay home, call your doctor, and avoid contact with others—especially babies & those with weakened immune systems.

💉 The MMR vaccine is safe & highly effective at preventing measles. Stay protected!

03/13/2025

✨ The History of Measles & Its Elimination in the U.S. ✨

Measles has been around for centuries, once considered an unavoidable childhood disease. Before a vaccine existed, measles infected millions, hospitalizing thousands, and tragically taking lives—mostly young children.

In 1963, the measles vaccine was introduced, changing everything. With widespread vaccination efforts, cases dropped dramatically, and in 2000, the U.S. officially eliminated measles—meaning there was no continuous spread for over a year. This was a huge public health victory!

But measles is making a comeback in certain areas due to declining vaccination rates. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is safe, effective, and essential in preventing outbreaks. One dose is about 93% effective, and two doses are about 97% effective.

By keeping up with vaccinations, we can protect our children, our communities, and those who are most vulnerable. Let’s work together to keep measles from regaining ground!

💉 Vaccines save lives. Measles doesn’t have to be a threat again. 💉