According to the CDC, modern vaccines prevent approximately 2.5 million deaths among children every year—even so, one child dies every twenty seconds from a vaccine-preventable disease. One of the best things that a parent or guardian can do for their child is make sure that they are protected from debilitating diseases, by vaccinating their child in accordance to a recommended immunization schedule. Schools, daycare centers, and preschool programs alike are all prone to outbreaks, which is where School Vaccination Laws come into play. Though requirements slightly vary state-to-state, caregivers everywhere in the USare required to confirm that their school-aged children receive specific vaccinations before being admitting into a school or other type of care program.
What Does the Alabama State Board of Health Require?
- That the school-aged child (0-18) be administered the most recent vaccines and doses in accordance to their recommended immunization schedule.
- 5 doses (4 doses, if the vaccine was administered on or after the child’s fourth birthday) of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and Acellular Pertussis vaccine (DTaP)
- Booster doses of tetanus and diphtheria toxoids vaccine (Td) must be given 5-10 years after the preschool booster
- 4 doses of the inactivated Poliovirus vaccine—only 3 doses are needed if the third dose was given on or after the fourth birthday.
- Immunization against mumps and rubella
- 2 doses of a measles-preventing vaccine
- Varicella (Chicken Pox) vaccination
- Age-appropriate vaccination for Haemophilus influenzaetype b and Pneumococcal disease
So, Why Vaccinate?
Though legal steps can be taken to get an exemption from immunization requirements, it is encouraged that everyone able to be vaccinated do so. Serious health concerns can develop in result of children being unvaccinated. Without these lifesaving vaccines, children can become more at risk for deadly and disabling diseases—as well as spread disease to individuals with weak immune systems, who are unable to be vaccinated, and others that are too young to be fully vaccinated. Keeping your child up to date on vaccinations not only protects you and your family, but also your community as a whole.