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Schools

Check Those Immunizations Before School Begins

State has new health requirements for students for the 2012 school year.

The odor of July 4 fireworks is still permeating the air, but parents and school age children know that another school year is right around the corner.

Students entering the sixth- and ninth-grade this school year are required to show proof of a “Tdap” vaccination for tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis regardless of the interval since the last dosage.

Whooping Cough, also known as pertussis, continues to be an issue in Illinois, which promoted the state to change immunization requirements for incoming sixth-grade students, according to a District 303 news release.

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Students entering grades 7-8 and 10-12 who have not already received Tdap are being encouraged to receive a dose regardless of the interval since the vaccination.

Health examination forms and proof of immunizations must be submitted prior to the first day of school. Students will not be allowed to begin school without a submitted physical examination form and required immunizations.

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Other health code changes include early childhood and pre-K students must submit required health records and immunization prior to the start of school.

Students new to the district must submit health records within 30 days of entering school. Transferred health records will be reviewed by the district to check for compliance with state immunization requirements.

Illinois law also mandates that all kindergarten, second- and sixth-grade students must present proof of a dental examination prior to May 15 of the school year. A waiver has been established by the Illinois Department of Public Health for students who show “undue burden” or lack of access to a dentist.

All incoming kindergarten students are also required to have an eye exam conducted by an optometrist. Like the dental requirement, a waiver exists for students who show “undue burden” or lack of access to an optometrist.

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