Immunizations against common childhood diseases and illnesses, while often a controversial topic, are recommended by most physicians and required for children to attend school in Rochester. Parents need to file either a medical exemption signed by a health care provider or have a notarized conscientious objection form on file with the school if they are not vaccinating their child(ren). Minnesota’s school immunization law requires the following innoculations:
* Preschool students (ages 3-5): 4 diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP/Td/Tdap), 3 polio, 1 measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), at least 1 Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), 1 varicella (chickenpox)
* Kindergarten students: 3 hepatitis B (Hep B), 5 DTaP/Td/Tdap, 4 polio (3 if the last vaccine was after age 4), 2 MMR, 2 chickenpox
* 1st through 6th grade students: at least 3 DTaP/Td/Tdap, at least 3 polio, 1 MMR
* 7th through 12th grade students: 3 Hep B, at least 3 DTaP/Td/Tdap with an additional innoculation at age 11-12 years, at least 3 polio, 2 MMR, 2 chickenpox
Adverse immunization reactions should be reported through the federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).
Annual influenza vaccinations, while not required, are recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months, particularly those at increased risk for flu complications, including children with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, sickle cell disease, and HIV. Children under the age of nine need two doses of the influenza vaccine, administered over a month apart. A meningococcal vaccine is suggested between ages 11 and 18, as is a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for girls between ages 11 and 18.
The Minnesota Vaccines for Children Program (MnVFC) offers free or low cost shots for eligible children under the age of 18. Any one of the following cirumstances qualify a child for free immunizations:
* Uninsured
* Immunizations not covered by health insurance
* Annual health insurance cap has been reached
* Health insurance deductible has not been met
* Currently covered by a Minnesota Health Care Program
* American Indian or native Alaskan descent
Olmsted County Disease Prevention and Control Division also offers low cost immunizations depending on existing insurance coverage and the age of the child.
* DtaP/Tdap/Td
* Polio (inactivated polio)
* HiB
* PCV
* Rotavirus
* H1N1 Influenza
* Hep B
* HAV (Hepatitis A)
* Twinrix (Hep B and Hep A combination)
* MMR
* Seasonal influenza
* Chickenpox
* Zoster
* Meningitis
* HPV
Seasonal influenza vaccinations are also available through the county immunization clinic and public influenza vaccination clinics, that are held beginning in mid to late October. Additional information is available by calling Olmsted County at (507) 328-7500.
The CDC addresses tough questions about childhood immunizations
Comments