Note:  Exemptions are available in all states, to varying degrees. 

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July 9, 2001

“Time for School Immunizations”

St. Petersburg Times (www.sptimes.com) (07/08/01) P. 1; Miller,

Michelle

In Pasco County, Fla., parents are being urged to ensure that their children are vaccinated against a number of diseases.  All incoming pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students are now required to receive vaccinations against chickenpox, if they are unable to prove with documentation from a doctor that they have had the disease.  All children from kindergarten through 11^th grade must also receive a second dose of measles vaccine, while all students in kindergarten to third grade, as well as in the seventh grade to 11^th grade must also get the hepatitis B vaccine.  Students attending the seventh through 11^th grades must also get the tetanus vaccine, but this might not always be possible because of the national shortage of the vaccine.  Marilyn Koop, supervisor of Student Services for Pasco County Schools, says that anyone who is unable to get the tetanus vaccine because of the shortage can get a one-year waiver from their doctor or at the Pasco County Health Department.  While it is not mandated, college students are also being urged to get the meningitis vaccine.

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.