This does not necessarily have a lot to do with transmission from Mexico, but it can come in from traveling adults and children. So anytime we can deal with a problem here, it helps the whole state. The legislators hope to pass the mandate in time for the start of the new school year next August. Before that, Texas Board of Health board members must first approve the changes to immunization rules and regulations the mandate would require. Oliveira said he expects the Board to approve the measure.
Funding is there.
We just have to access it. The Board of Health will likely meet in four months to discuss the issue. Funding could come from the federal Vaccines for Children program. Last year, there were 576 reported cases of hepatitis A in Hidalgo County and another 266 reported in Cameron County. That rate is twice that of the state average.