County Releases New Immunization Requirements, Clinic Dates

The Montgomery County Health Department has released new vaccine requirements for children attending public schools in the county, and will also hold immunization clinics to help parents meet the April 30 deadline.

The requirements are:

• 4 doses of tetanus* (1 dose on or after the 4th birthday)
• 4 doses of diphtheria* (1 dose on or after the 4th birthday)
• 3 doses of polio
• 2 doses of measles**
• 2 doses of mumps**
• 1 dose of rubella (German measles)**
• 3 doses of hepatitis B
• 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or history of disease

         *Usually given as DTP or DTaP or DT or Td
         **Usually given as MMR

Additionally, children attending 7th grade in 2011/12 need one dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) if five years have lapsed since the last immunization, and one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV).

According to a release from the Health Department, parents should review their children's vaccine status and are responsible for making sure all immunizations are up to date. For those who do not have a family physician or health insurance, the department is holding four clinics:

Eisenhower Middle School
1601 Markley Street
Norristown, 19401

Spring-Ford 9th Grade Center
400 South Lewis Road
Royersford, 19468

To read the release in full, please visit our media section.