The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reminds parents and caregivers about immunizations required for students in grades K-12.
Kansas immunization school requirements are designed to protect all children against vaccine-preventable diseases.
The 2013-2014 kindergarten through 12th grade school immunization requirements and recommendations are based on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations and the consensus of the Governor’s Child Health Advisory Committee Immunization Workgroup.
The 2013-2014 school required immunizations are:
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP): Five doses required. A single dose of Tdap is required at Grades 7-12 if no previous history of Tdap vaccination regardless of interval since the last Td.
Poliomyelitis (IPV/OPV): Four doses required. One dose required after age 4 regardless of the number of previous doses, with a 6 month minimum interval from the previous dose.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella: two doses required.
Hepatitis B: three doses required through grade 12.
Varicella (chickenpox): two doses required for grades K-4 and 7-9; one dose required for grades 5-6 and 10-12 unless history of Varicella disease documented by a licensed physician.
“Vaccination saves the lives and prevents others from suffering from diseases and permanent disabilities. If children aren’t vaccinated, they can spread disease to other children who are too young to be vaccinated or whose medical condition prevents them from being vaccinated,” said Brenda Walker, director of disease control and prevention at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
“Because almost all parents vaccinate their children in the United States, we all derive protection from ‘community immunity.’ Children are best protected if they are vaccinated.”
In addition to the immunizations required for school entry listed above, the 2013 ACIP recommendations also include the following for school children:
Meningococcal (MCV4): one dose recommended at 11 years with a booster dose at 16 yrs of age; not required for school entry.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): three doses recommended for males and females at 11 years of age; not required for school entry.
Influenza: yearly vaccination recommended for all ages 6 months and above; not required for school entry.
For more information, visit the Kansas Immunization Program website at kdheks.gov/immunize.