SALT LAKE CITY -- Immunization requirements for school entry in Utah now include the hepatitis A and chickenpox vaccines. Beginning July 1, 2002, two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine and one dose of the chickenpox vaccine will be required for all kindergartners to protect children against preventable diseases.

The Utah Department of Health adopted these changes into school law after receiving the latest recommendations from the national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the Utah Scientific Vaccine Advisory Committee.

Other school entry requirements include: five doses of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; four doses of polio; two doses of measles, mumps, rubella; and three doses of hepatitis B.

The UDOH also revised the school rule dealing with exemptions. Medical, religious and personal exemptions to immunizations may be claimed. However, the appropriate UDOH exemption form must now accompany each exemption claimed. The personal and religious exemption forms are available at all local health departments. The medical exemption form is available to physicians through the Utah Immunization Program.

For more information about immunizations, contact the Utah Immunization Hotline at 1-800-275-0659.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page A12.