Summer is in full swing, but the next thing you know your kids will be lining up at the bus stop as another school year begins. While books and school supplies may be at the top of your back-to-school shopping list, don’t forget about Minnesota’s new immunization laws that are set to go into effect in September.
If you want to avoid a last minute doctor’s appointment you’ll want to make sure your son or daughter is in compliance with the state’s new guidelines. The changes that go into effect in September include:
- Requiring Hepatitis A and B vaccinations for all children enrolling in childcare or early-childhood programs in a school setting.
- Replacing the current 7th grade tetanus-diphtheria vaccine with another that includes the pertussis vaccination.
- Requiring all students to receive the meningococcal vaccination prior to entering 7th grade.
Health officials say parents can decide not to vaccinate their child, but they must go through the appropriate channels. In order to be eligible for the school year, a child must have their vaccinations or have their guardian apply for a medical or conscientious exemption.
Stay Up To Date
The new law will go into effect beginning September 1, but those aren’t the only vaccinations a child needs to stay in good standing with the school. The Minnesota Department of Health has come out with a handy chart to make it easier for parents to stay in the know when it comes to what shots their children need.
Click here to check out the immunization chart, or visit the Minnesota Department of Health website for more information.
You can also find the updated Student Immunization Form on the MDoH website. This helps you keep track of the dates your child received his or her shots, and it has exemption information if you wish to file an exemption.
Related source: MDoH
