EL PASO, Texas -- Five immunizations for students in kindergarten through the seventh grade make up new requirements that take effect August 1, 2009.

"How many of our children have their immunizations?" asked Jorge Salazar, of La Fe community health. "How many of our children are prepared physically to go back to school?"

The vaccines required include hepatitis A and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Two doses of each of those vaccines are needed for kids entering kindergarten. Two doses of varicella are required for children in kindergarten through seventh grade. A booster of tetanus, diptheria, and pertussis (Tdap) is needed for seventh graders. And the meningococcal vaccine is required for all students entering the seventh grade.

"You don't want to be called by the nurse saying your kids need shots," said Annette Hernandez-Morales, a mother of two.

Hernandez-Morales said the new changes make one more task to take care of before the start of the school year, but it's something she doesn't mind doing.

"It's very important so they won't get any disease from other kids," said Hernandez-Morales, "so they can be healthy."

You can find out where to take your child for free or lower cost immunizations by calling 211-TEXAS.

Immunize El Paso also offers the vaccines at $10 per child no matter how many shots they need. You can find a list of their upcoming clinics at immunizeelpaso.org.