Immunizations Needed Before all Enrollment
As parents and students make summer plans, remember to include scheduling medical checkups and catch-up immunizations. Based on Kansas Statute K.A.R. 28-1-20, all children must be current on immunizations when attending any Kansas school.
For NEW kindergarteners, this usually means one more round of vaccinations, which will include a fifth Dtap, a fourth IPV, a second MMR and a second varicella.
For all children going into FIRST grade, a NEW requirement will be implemented for fall, 2007. These students are required to have received TWO doses of varicella at least 3 months apart, or have parent or doctor signed verification of having had varicella illness.
For students who are 14 or 15 years old, parents should check immunization records for a recent tetanus booster. All students are required to have a second tetanus shot at some time within 10 years of the school entry dose. Currently, booster tetanus doses are also recommended to include vaccination for pertussis (Tdap).
Parents of students whose school records show need for updated vaccinations will receive notification of that in the mail. Plan now to have those shots done BEFORE school starts in August to avoid possible exclusion from school.
Questions about immunizations can be directed to your school nurse or by phoning the Health Department at 785-863-2447.
