Vaccine Information

Vaccines are an important part of the health and wellness of not only the individual, but also our larger global community. There are now vaccines to prevent more than 20 life-threatening diseases, helping people of all ages live longer, healthier lives. Immunization currently prevents 3.5-5 million deaths every year from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza and measles (World Health Organization, 2023). 

Vaccines work with your child’s immune system to help them fight various diseases. They work by introducing a very small part of these germs into your child’s system so that their immune system can better recognize and fight against these illnesses. The American Academy of Pediatrics (2023) strongly recommends on-time routine immunizations for all children and adolescents in order to protect the health and safety of children and communities. 

If you have any questions regarding the safety and efficacy of vaccinations or to find out if your child is up to date, please contact your health care provider or the school nurse. You can also visit the following websites for evidence based information: 

American Academy of Pediatrics

https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/immunizations/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/why-vaccinate/index.html

The following vaccinations are required for PA schools:

What are the immunization requirements for all grade school students?

  • Four doses of tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (one dose on or after the fourth birthday) *
  • Four doses of polio (fourth dose on or after fourth birthday and at least six months after previous dose given) **
  • Two doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
  • Three doses of hepatitis B
  • Two doses of varicella (chickenpox) or evidence of immunity

*usually given as DTP or DTaP or DT or Td
**A fourth dose not necessary if the third dose was administered at age 4 years or older and at least six months after the previous dose.

What are the seventh grade school immunization requirements?
In addition to all other required grade school immunizations:

  • One dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) on the first day of seventh grade
  • One dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) on the first day of seventh grade

Note: If a child gains entrance to school in any succeeding year, the same immunizations are required on the first day.

What are the 12th grade school immunization requirements?
In addition to all other required grade school immunizations:

  • One dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) on the first day of 12th grade. If one dose was given at 16 years of age or older, that shall count as the 12th grade dose.

https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/programs/immunizations
World Health Organization (2023). Vaccines and immunization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/vaccines-and-immunization#tab=tab_1