Posted Monday, March 3 --- 10:30am

There are new immunization requirements for the 2008-2009 school year.

The following information is provided by Dean Health System (in an official press release sent to NBC15):

These changes affect:
* Children in K-12 public and private school settings
* Pre-kindergarten students
* Children in day care centers

Immunization changes are:
* Addition of pneumococcal infection to the list of diseases against which students in day care centers are to be immunized. The typical series consists of at least 3 doses however, exceptions can be made for children who begin this vaccine series at 12-23 months of age (only 2 total doses required) and children who begin the series at 24 months of age (only 1 dose required).

* Requirement for a single dose of Tdap for students entering grades 6, 9 and 12 in the 2008-09 school year with full implementation for grades 6-12 by the 2010-11 school year. An exception is made for students who have received a dose of tetanus or diphtheria containing vaccine within the past 5 years.

* Requirement for a second dose of varicella vaccine for students entering grades K, 6, and 12 in the 2008-09 school year with full implementation in all grades by the 2013-14 school year. An exception is made for students who have a reliable history of chicken pox disease.

In addition, the following changes will be in effect:
* Release of immunization information between vaccine providers and schools or day care centers, and among providers, now creates a clear requirement for disclosure rather than a discretionary permission.

* The previous “written evidence of immunization” is now updated to include electronic records.

* Finally, the state will be permitted to temporarily suspend a requirement if it determines that because of a vaccine shortage, a student cannot receive required vaccines.

Intent of the new rule is:
* Prevent pneumococcal, pertussis and breakthrough varicella infections among students.

* Update existing rules by deleting obsolete sections and adding clarifying language

* Create a clear requirement for disclosure of immunization information

Click HERE for more information.