Submitted by Armen Hareyan on Apr 6th, 2007
Childhood Immunizations
The Mississippi Department of Health announces two new requirements for childhood immunizations effective for the 2007-2008 childcare and school year.
These childhood immunization requirements are recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and must be met in order for a child to enroll in any childcare facility or school within the state.
Effective August 1, 2007, the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV7) or "Prevnar," has been added as a childcare requirement for children under five years old entering childcare for the first time. Parents of children already in childcare should also start making plans to make sure their children have been vaccinated with this pneumonia vaccine. Beginning January 2008, all children, including those already enrolled in childcare, will be required to be vaccinated with the recommended doses of the pneumococcal vaccine. Research has shown the vaccine virtually eliminates invasive pneumococcal disease (including meningitis) in infants and young children, according to Joy Sennett, Director of Communicable Diseases for MDH.
Additionally, effective August 1, 2007, children entering school for the first time will be required to have two doses of the Varicella vaccine (chickenpox vaccine) or a history of chickenpox. Research shows the success rate of 80 to 85 percent with one dose increases to more than 90 percent efficacy with two doses. One dose of Varicella vaccine or a history of chickenpox became a requirement for entry into childcare and five-year-old kindergarten in 2002.
Both vaccines are available at all county health departments and from Vaccines for Children providers for a $10 administrative fee each.
Source:
Mississippi Department Of Health 