New Immunization Requirements for Preschool, Kindergarten and Grade 7
The Connecticut State Legislature is expected to pass additional immunization requirements for entrance into Preschool, Kindergarten and seventh (7th) grade effective for the start of the 2011 school year. The new immunizations are as follows:
For entrance into Preschool (in addition to current mandates):
Pneumococcal conjugate (1 dose for children less than 5 years of age)
For entrance into Kindergarten (in addition to current mandates):
Varicella 2nd dose
Mumps 2nd dose
Rubella 2nd dose
Pneumococcal conjugate (1 dose for children less than 5 years of age)
For entrance into 7th grade (in addition to current mandates):
Tdap (1 dose)
Varicella 2nd dose
Mumps 2nd dose
Rubella 2nd dose
Please be sure your child’s physician updates this vaccine(s) before the start of school.
Please note students will not be allowed to start school if written proof of the vaccine(s) is not provided to the nurse.
Meningococcal Immunization
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends meningococcal immunization for all adolescents 11-18 years of age. Meningococcal disease, commonly known as meningitis, is a potentially fatal bacterial infection that can strike teenagers and college students. While the disease is rare, is does come on quickly. Meninginococcal disease can be misdiagnosed as something less serious, because early symptoms are similar to those of influenza or other common viral illnesses, including high fever, headache, nausea, and stiff neck. Teenagers and college students have an increased rate of meningococcal infection compared to the general population, accounting for nearly 30% of all US cases annually. Of those who do survive the disease, up to 20% suffer long-term disabilities. 83% of the cases in this population can be prevented. That is why immunization is so important.
Please speak to your Healthcare Provider about meningococcal disease and consider immunization.
For more information, contact the State of Connecticut Immunization Program at 860-509-7929 or visit the CDC web site http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/.
New Immunization requirements for incoming freshman attending college in Connecticut after August 1, 2010.
Section 10a-155 of the Connecticut general statues will require that each fulltime or matriculating student (those enrolled in a degree-seeking program) provide proof of adequate immunization against measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and varicella (chicken pox).
MMR Vaccine
All incoming freshman will be required to show proof of 2 doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. The doses should be separated by at least 28 days with the first dose given on or after the first birthday. (Currently, CT State law only requires students in grades K - 12 to have 1 MMR and a second measles vaccine although most students have had a second MMR).
Varicella Vaccine
All incoming freshman will be required to show proof of 2 doses of varicella vaccine or proof of disease. For vaccine, the 2 doses should be separated by at least 28 days with the first dose given on or after the first birthday. For proof of disease, there must be documentation from a physician that the student had a confirmed case of such disease. (Currently, CT State law only requires students in grades PreK – 12 to have 1 varicella vaccine or proof of disease).
If you have questions about these new requirements, please contact the CT state department of immunizations @ 860-509-7929.
If you have questions about your child’s immunization status, please contact one of the following –
Your child’s healthcare provider
The nurse at the high school your child attends
Enfield High – Jackie Smith @ 860-253-5544
Fermi High – Karen Bishop @860-763-8829
The nursing supervisor for Enfield Public Schools
Trisha Vayda @ 860-763-8830