New vaccination requirement calls for high-schoolers to get chicken pox shot
Published 8:30 am Monday, June 13, 2016
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has issued a new immunization requirement that requires all high school students to get two doses of the chickenpox vaccine (Varicella), by the start of the 2016-17 school year. This requirement was already in place for students in kindergarten through eighth grades.
Parents are encouraged to get their teens vaccinated soon to avoid a rush at the start of school. Families who often get annual physicals prior to summer camps and to update athletic requirements should discuss this with their health care provider.
Most children with chickenpox completely recover in one week. However, chickenpox can be serious. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, serious complications include infected blisters, pneumonia, bleeding disorders, and swelling of the brain (encephalitis). Some of these complications can result in death. Chickenpox can be particularly serious for children younger than 1, adolescents, adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
Students are not required to be vaccinated if they’ve already had two doses of the vaccine, have had chickenpox in the past, or have had a blood test showing they are immune.
The first day of the next school year is Aug. 31. Parents are encouraged to ensure their children have had two doses of the chickenpox vaccination before then. If a student needs two doses of the vaccine, they must wait one month between shots.
If a student had chickenpox and it was reported to a school nurse before the 2013-14 school year, then families do not need to take additional steps. If a student contracted the disease after 2013, a doctor must verify that history so parent can provide the documentation to the school nurse.
For more information about chickenpox and the new vaccine requirements, visit the Health Department website, http://www.doh.wa.gov, or the CDC website, http://www.cdc.gov.
Parents can receive no-cost vaccines for all kids up to 19-years-old through health care providers participating in the state’s Childhood Vaccine Program. Participating providers may charge for the office visit and an administration fee to give the vaccine. People who can’t afford the administration fee can ask for it to be waived.
For help finding a health care provider or an immunization clinic, call your local health agency or the WithinReach Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.
