When children aren't vaccinated, they are at increased risk for disease and can spread disease to others in their classrooms and communities.

Going back to school can sting a little, and not just from the cost of school supplies or the clang of the alarm clock. Returning to the classroom also means children must be caught up on their immunizations.

“Getting all of the recommended vaccines is one of the most important things a parent can do to protect their child’s health, especially when they are in a setting like a school or a child care center where disease outbreaks can occur,” said Clinic Supervisor Kathy Colson, of the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department.

When children aren’t vaccinated, they are at increased risk for disease and can spread disease to others in their classrooms and communities. This includes babies too young to be fully vaccinated and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer or other health conditions.

For the 2014-2015 school year, the Kansas State Department of Health and Environment issued new regulations required for immunizations. For those parents new to the state, visit www.kdheks.gov/immunize/ for complete information on the state’s requirements for vaccinations for schoolchildren up to age 18.

Immunization requirements and recommendations for the upcoming school year are based on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations and the consensus of the Governor’s Child Health Advisory Committee Immunization Workgroup.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment defines immunizations required for any individual who attends school or early childhood programs operated by a school.

• Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP): Five doses are required. Four doses are acceptable if dose 4 is given on or after the child’s 4th birthday. A single dose of Tdap is required at Grades 7-12. DTaP is approved for children under age 7. Tdap, which has a reduced dose of the diphtheria and pertussis vaccines, is approved for adolescents starting at age 11 and adults ages 19 to 64, according to the Immunization Action Coalition. It is often called a booster dose because it boosts the immunity that wanes from vaccines given at ages 4 to 6.
• Poliomyelitis (IPV/OPV): Four doses are required. Three are doses acceptable. One dose required after age 4 regardless of the number of previous doses, with a six-month minimum interval from the previous dose.
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella: Two doses are required.
• Hepatitis B: Three doses are required through grade 12.
• Varicella (chickenpox): Two doses are required for grades K-10; one dose is required for grades 11-12 unless a history of varicella disease has been documented by a licensed physician. Two doses are recommended for all ages.

In addition to the immunizations required for school, the 2015 ACIP recommendations include the following vaccinations for adolescents to protect them from three other preventable diseases. These are not required for school entry.

• Meningococcal (MCV4): One dose is recommended at age 11 with a booster dose at 16.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Three doses are recommended at age 11.
• Influenza: A yearly vaccination is recommended for all ages older than 6 months.

Immunizations aren’t just for children under 18. For students enrolling at KU, Watkins Health Services must have evidence of a student’s compliance with immunizations for measles and meningitis. If a student cannot show that he or she has received these vaccinations, an enrollment hold will be applied and the student will be unable to enroll in subsequent semesters.

• Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR): All newly enrolled or re-enrolled students born on or after Jan. 1, 1957, must show proof of two vaccinations for MMR. History of the disease is not sufficient for compliance unless accompanied by positive blood test.
• Meningitis: All students living in university-owned group housing are required to be vaccinated for meningitis or to sign a waiver indicating that they refuse to receive the vaccine.

GET IMMUNIZED

Parents should make an appointment with their child’s pediatrician for an annual physical and any necessary schedule immunizations.

Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department

Immunizations are available at the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department during clinic hours. No appointment is necessary. Parents are encouraged to bring their children’s immunizations records with them.

Call the Health Department at 843-0721 or visit ldchealth.org for clinic hours and more information.

The Health Department participates in the Vaccines for Children Program, which allows the department to provide vaccines at no cost to children who are uninsured or if their insurance doesn’t cover vaccinations. Parents must bring written proof from the insurance company if vaccinations are not covered.

Heartland Community Health Center

Through Aug. 14, for students who are uninsured, Heartland is offering $20 back-to-school physicals, free immunizations and backpacks filled with school supplies. Children who are insured or covered by Kancare will pay their normal co-pays for physicals and vaccinations and will also be eligible to receive a backpack. Call to schedule an appointment for physicals and vaccinations at 841-7297, or visit heartlandhealth.org for more information.