State public-health officials are reminding parents that several immunizations are required before children can attend school or child care. Requirements for new vaccines or boosters change year by year to phase in protection for all students.
This year, students entering sixth and seventh grade must get the tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. This is a booster shot for most children and will help protect older ones against whooping cough (pertussis).
Also this year, children starting first, second and sixth grades must get chickenpox (varicella) vaccine or document that they've had the disease; kindergartners need two doses.
Exemptions are allowed for medical, religious or personal reasons, but children who are not fully immunized may be excluded from attending school, preschool or child care if an outbreak occurs, noted Michele Roberts, health promotion and communication manager for the state's immunization program.
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