Starting August first the Texas Department of State Health Services is changing school immunization requirements for five vaccines. The changes affect mainly students entering kindergarten and seventh grade. Local doctors are concerned the changes may result in a shortage of vaccines and urge parents to bring children in sooner rather than later.

It may seem like students just got out for summer, but it's already time to start thinking about back-to school vaccine requirements. Local doctors at the Wichita Falls Community Healthcare Center say the longer you wait to come in, the more time you'll spend in the waiting room.

"It's easiest to have an appointment but we do accept walk-ins and we will accept new patient walk-ins too. Again, it will be easier if it's done early rather than late when the waiting will be great I'm sure," said Dr. Lawrence Lyford.

Dr. Lyford says the two weeks prior to the first day of school are always the busiest. He says sometimes they have to double or even triple book patients.

So he offers this advice, don't forget the student's shot records. You can get them from the school district and it will make the immunization process easier on parents and children.

"We need a current immunization record to make the best decision and not have to start the process over again. Because can't get report we start over. Which is not dangerous to the child but it is unneccessary," Lyford said.    

The Community Healthcare Center does have vaccines available but officials aren't sure how long they'll last. They also have open appointments, but they will fill up quick so don't wait until the last minute. They're open from 8 to 5:30 daily. 

You can find a detailed explaination of changes and new school immunization requirements here.