Caption: AP file photo

This is the first in a series of articles providing resources for parents so they can prepare for the start of the new school year. To ensure all Compton Unified School District (CUSD) students learn in a safe, clean, and healthy environment it is important that all students have received the required vaccinations prior to enrollment or the first day of school.  Students new to CUSD or returning after a prolonged absence must enroll at CUSD’s Pupil Services, 417 E. Alondra Blvd., where they must present proof of immunizations for the following: Polio; Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis; Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR); Hepatitis B; Varicella; TB Risk Assessment (1st grade only); and Tdap (whooping cough) immunizations are required for students, grades 7-12.

Oral Health Assessment results are required for first time Transitional Kinder/Kindergarten & 1st grade students. A recent Official Health Exam report is required for Transitional Kinder/Kindergarten & 1st grade students and must be signed by a doctor and stamped. Donita Polk, RN and Health Technician for CUSD Pupil Services, said proof of updated immunization records for students are not only required by the state, but also a matter of public health and safety.

“If one, two, or three children aren’t completely immunized, their classmates who are may still be at risk of carrying preventable diseases home to an infant or an elder who is not as well immunized. This could cause them to become deathly ill.”

Kendra Gorlitsky, MD, who serves the Compton community at St. John’s Well Child and Family Center at Dominguez High School, said the spread of diseases like chicken pox and measles are much more preventable when the entire school community is well immunized.

“Unfortunately there was some very poorly conducted research that was not validated and gave vaccines a bad name. I think we can feel very safe regarding childhood vaccines and really encourage people to get them so their kids can stay healthy,” she said. “I’m really a vaccine advocate. Thanks to vaccines we don’t really see polio anymore. We have a vaccine now for teenagers in particular that can prevent some forms of cancer.”

Dr. Gorlitsky added that without proper vaccination students are at risk of missing school and falling behind in their learning.

“Measles can keep you out for days. Chicken pox too, of course. Meningitis can end up impairing your cognitive capacity. If you don’t get vaccines the chances of you having a problem later are greater. To encourage a healthy climate around the school you want people to get vaccinated.”

Low-cost health services children are available at the following locations (Please call to make sure they offer immunizations):

• Edward Austin, MD – 1331 E. Compton Blvd. – (310) 763-4250
• County of Los Angeles, Dollarhide Health Center – 1108 N. Oleander St. – (310) 763-2244
• County of LA’s MLK Jr./Drew Medical Center MAAC – 12021 Wilmington Ave., Los Angeles – (310) 668-5011
• De Novo Health Care Inc. – 803 Rosecrans Ave. – (310) 605-4800
• David A. Guerrero, MD – 2210 E. Compton Blvd. – (310) 635-1852
• Hubert H. Humphrey Comprehensive Health Center – 5850 S. Main St., Los Angeles – (323) 846-4312
• Toni D. Johnson-Chavis MD – 403 S. Long Beach Blvd., Ste. B – (323) 774-6551
• Fred B. Kyazee, MD – 1410 W. Alondra Blvd., Ste C – (310) 637-3680

• Daniel Matentoja, MD – 711 E. Rosecrans Ave. – (310) 635-5223
• Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Public Health – 11833 S. Wilmington Ave., Los Angeles – (323) 568-8100
• Eijike C. Onyeador, MD – 555 W. Compton Blvd. Ste 205 – (310) 223-0684
• Evangeline G. Roxas-Butlig, MD – 1000 E. Dominguez St., Ste 110, Carson – (310) 715-7755
• St. Francis Medical Center/Compton South Clinic – 457 S. Long Beach Blvd. – (310) 761-8461

St. John’s Well Child and Family Center:

• On the Campus of Dominguez High School, 15301 San jose St. – (562) 630-6825
• 15717 S. Atlantic Ave. 2nd Floor, E. Rancho Dominguez – (310) 898-6428
• 2115 N. Wilmington Ave. – (310) 603-1332
• Sunshine Medical Clinic – 555 W. Compton Blvd., Ste 104 – (310) 639-7200
• Talbert Medical Group – 818 W. Alondra Blvd. – (310) 537-1337