Immunizations/Vaccines
Vaccine information can be found at: www.dontwaitvaccinate.pa.gov
The Pennsylvania Department of Health and of Education require students to be vaccinated.
Children in ALL grades (K-12) need the following immunizations for attendance:
4 doses of tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis* (1 dose on or after 4th birthday)
4 doses of polio (4th dose on or after 4th birthday and at least 6 months after previous dose given)
2 doses of measles, mumps, and rubella***
3 doses of hepatitis B
2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) or evidence of immunity
Seventh through 12th Grade ADDITIONAL immunization requirements for attendance:
2 doses of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV)
First dose is given 11-15 years of age; a second dose is required at age 16 or entry into the 12th grade.
If the dose was given at 16 years of age or older, only one dose is required.
1 dose of tetantus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap)
*Usually given as DTaP or DTP or DT or Td
**Usually given as MMR
Exemptions to the school laws for immunizations are:
medical reasons;
religious beliefs; and
philosophical/strong moral or ethical conviction.
If your child is exempt from immunizations, he or she may be removed from school during an outbreak.
VACCINE SAFETY
Vaccines are held to the highest standard of safety.
The United States has teh safest, most effectibe vaccine supply in history.
Vaccines are continually monitored for safety and effectiveness.
Pennsylvania's school immunization requirements ca be found in 28 PA Code Ch.23 (School Immunization).
Contact your health care provider or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258).