New Immunization Requirements for School Released

Parents be advised, there are some new immunization requirements for students heading to school in the fall. The State Department of Health recently released their immunization requirements for students, which includes some new vaccinations.

All students in grades K–12 will be required to get both doses of the vaccine for Varicella – commonly known as chickenpox – unless a physician provides documentation confirming children entering preschool through 5th grade have already had the disease. A signed statement from the parent or guardian indicating history of the disease, including month and year, is required for children in grades 6–12.

The Department of Health also requires kindergarten students to undergo two vaccinations for Hepatitis A, and 11th and 12th graders must receive at least one dose of the Meningococcal vaccine, though the Department of Health recommends that the students receive two doses of the vaccine.

Immunization records can be viewed online at https://myvaxindiana.in.gov/, and the full list of required immunizations for the 2013-2014 school year and the proposed requirements for 2014-2015 can be found here .