Summer has just officially begun, but children will return to school before you know it. Now is the time to start thinking about preparations that are needed before they head back to school.
If you have a child entering kindergarten or 7th grade, it is important to make sure that he or she is up-to-date on all the required vaccines. California schools are required to check immunization records for ages 4-6 years, upon advancement into 7th grade, and for students transferring from out-of-state at any age. Students admitted to school at ages 4-6 years are required to have the following vaccines:
Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP, DTP, or DT): five doses, four doses are okay if one was given on or after 4th birthday.
Polio (OPV or IPV): four doses, three doses okay if one was given on or after 4th birthday.
Hepatitis B: three doses.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): two doses, the first given on or after 1st birthday.
Varicella (Chickenpox): one dose.
Parents must show their child’s immunization record as proof of above immunizations for a student entering into transitional kindergarten.
For students entering into the 7th grade, the required vaccines include:
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap): one dose, whooping cough booster usually given at ages 11 and up.
Measles – containing vaccine (MMR): two doses, usually given at 12 months of age and 4-6 years of age.
Varicella (Chickenpox): one additional dose is highly recommended but not required.
The school immunization law affects all students in public and private schools. Transfer students from out-of-state entering any grade level (K-12) in California may need additional immunizations to meet California requirements. If you have questions or concerns regarding vaccinations ask your doctor or call Sacramento County Public Health at 916-875-5881![]( "Call: 916-875-5881")
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If your child does not have insurance, he or she may qualify for well-child health exam and free vaccinations through the Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) program. The CHDP program provides health and dental check-ups to help children stay healthy, find health problems early, and answer health-related questions.
“This is a preventative program,” says Kate Varanelli, Health Program Coordinator for Sacramento County Public Health. “The goal is to have providers see children for regular well-child exams through age 20 to help them stay healthy and to catch any health issues early.”
To find out if your child is eligible for CHDP, call
916-857-7151. Remember, it’s not too early to start getting ready to go back to school. For more information on vaccines, visit
www.shotsforschool.org.
