Immunizations

Recently, the Pennsylvania Department of Health approved changes to the current mandated immunizations required for school-aged students in order to be considered for enrollment in public schools. These changes will go into effect in August, 2017, and are intended to ensure that all children attending school in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are adequately protected against potential outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases. Please be advised of the following NEW Pennsylvania School Immunization Requirements, effective August, 2017:

 

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 meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV)

                              -first dose is given 11-15 years of age; a second dose is required at age 16 or entry into 12th grade.

                              -If the dose was given at 16 years of age or older, only one dose is required

            1 dose of tetanus, 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