August 16, 2007

VACCINATIONS REQUIRED FOR SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

New Requirements for Tetanus Diphtheria and Pertussis Combined Vaccine for 6th graders

Nassau County Department of Health reminds families that updating children's vaccinations should be added to their back-to-school list. "In order to be fully protected, students should have all the appropriate vaccinations for their age," said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Abby Greenberg. This schedule ensures that children meet school immunization requirements and are protected against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, haemophilus influenzae type b, polio and chickenpox.

Beginning with the 2007-2008 school year, students entering 6th grade, or a comparable age-level special education school or program, and who are 11 years of age or older must receive a tetanus, diphtheria, adult pertussis (Tdap) vaccination. This is the first time a pertussis containing vaccine has been available that is formulated for children over age 7 and adults.  It’s availability is important because recently there has been a significant increase in pertussis in both groups.  If a student has received a tetanus and diphtheria combined vaccine (td or DT) or a pediatric diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP) vaccination within the last two years, the student's Tdap vaccination can be deferred until a period of two years has elapsed.  10-year-old students who are entering 6th grade will not be required to receive a Tdap vaccine and will not be excluded from school, but they must be immunized when they turn 11 years old.

In addition to the immunizations required by primary and secondary schools, the following are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:  influenza, pneumococcal, meningococcal, rotavirus, hepatitis A, and human papilloma virus vaccines.  These groups also recommend additional doses of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, mumps, rubella, polio, haemophilus influenzae type b, and varicella vaccines.  Some of these may be obligatory for enrollment in post-secondary schools or health care training programs.  

New York State’s Vaccines for Children Program (VFC) provides required vaccines to health care providers at no cost for uninsured children and those whose health insurance does not cover immunizations. For additional information, contact the child's health care provider or call the Nassau County Department of Health Immunization Hotline weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at 571-1680.