Date: August 9, 2006

VACCINATIONS REQUIRED FOR SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

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 Health Commissioner Dr. David Ackman. This schedule ensures that children meet school and college immunization requirements and are protected against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, Hib disease, polio and chickenpox.

In addition to the required vaccines, pneumococcal and hepatitis A vaccines are recommended for infants and toddlers, meningococcal vaccine for adolescents and college students, and influenza vaccine for children six months to five years of age.

New York State’s Vaccines for Children Program (VFC) provides free vaccinations for all required vaccines to uninsured children and to those with health insurance that does not cover vaccines.  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.