Pennsylvania Department of Health Reminds Parents of Upcoming Deadline for Required School Immunizations

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Department of Health is reminding parents and caregivers of the upcoming final deadline for students to comply with new school immunization requirements.  

When the school year began, families were given eight months to bring students up-to-date with their vaccinations. On April 27, the department announced a two-week grace period.

While final deadlines vary based on when each district began its school year, the department estimates that the grace period will end in most districts within the next week.

New immunization regulations that took effect last August require children in all grades to receive a second dose of mumps vaccine as well as a second dose of the chicken pox vaccine.

They also require students in seventh grade to have one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) and one dose of the tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap). All vaccines also need to be appropriately spaced to be considered valid.

While the department established the new regulations, enforcement is left to individual school districts. School districts maintain the right to exclude students from school if they lack the proper vaccinations.

Any student who is not yet up to date should make an appointment with their local healthcare provider, or call 877-PA HEALTH (877-724-3258) to be connected to their local state health center. The most recent copy of the student's vaccination history must be provided at the time of the appointment. Students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Exemptions are allowed by law for medical reasons verified by a healthcare professional, on religious grounds, or on the basis of a strong moral or ethical conviction similar to a religious belief. However, the student must fill out a statement for exemption and provide it to his or her school.

The regulations were developed upon recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. To review the regulations, visit www.health.state.pa.us/immunizations.

Media contact: Christine Cronkright or Holli Senior, 717-787-1783

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health

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