New Immunization Regulations For Students

The State of Connecticut has passed new immunization regulations for students. Several changes have been made to the kindergarten and seventh grade entry requirements.

Effective August 2000 all kindergarten students must:

*Show proof of having received two doses of measles-containing vaccine or have protection confirmed in writing by a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse based on specific blood testing by a certified laboratory; and

*Show proof of at least four doses of DTP/DTaP vaccine and three doses of polio (IPV/OPV) with at least one dose given on or after fourth birthday and before school entry.

NOTE: All students born January 1, 1997, or later must show proof of immunity to varicella (chicken pox) disease for entry into licensed preschool programs and kindergarten.

All seventh grade students must:

*Show proof of immunity to varicella (chicken pox) for entry into seventh grade;

*Show proof of one dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine before entry into the seventh grade, with the completion of the three-dose series before entering eighth grade by August 2001.

Proof of immunization includes any of the following:

*Documentation of age-appropriate immunization (one dose given on or after the student’s first birthday if they are under 13 years of age, two doses given at least 30 days apart for students whose initial vaccination is 13 years of age and older), or

*A blood test that shows past infection, or

*A statement signed and dated by a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse that the child has already had chicken pox based on family and/or medical history.

If these requirements are not met prior to the start of school in August 2000, the child will not be allowed to attend school until they are met. Parents should contact their child’s school nurse with any additional questions.