The Republic County Health Department has sent us the following

Immunization Changes for the 2009-2010 School Year

The state has made changes to the immunization requirements for the 2009-2010 school year.  Therefore it is necessary to get all of our students' immunizations up to date.

*Tdap:  A major change is the new Tdap requirement.  This vaccine adds Pertussis to the TD (tetanus) booster that was previously given to 15 year olds.  Tdap will be required for students who will be 11 years old on September 1, 2009 unless it has been less than 2 years since they have had a tetanus booster.  In addition, students older than 11 years will be required to have Tdap.

*Varicella:  Grades 1-9 will be required to have one dose of Varicella or documentation of the chicken pox disease.  Kindergarten students will need two doses of Varicella.

*Hepatitis B:  will also be required for students through Grade 9.  Most students have already received this series when they entered Kindergarten.

In addition, the following recommendations are being made by the state:

*Meningococcal (MCV4), one dose is recommended (not yet required) for all students 11 years of age or older.

*Human Papillomavirus (HPV), three doses recommended (not required) for females 11 years of age or older.

Please make plans to update your child's immunizations AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  They must be updated by the beginning of the next school year.