IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

All children who enter and attend schools in Michigan are required by state law to have a certificate of immunization on file.  Children who have not met the immunization requirements will not be admitted to Traverse City Area Public Schools.  All 6th grade student’s immunizations records will be assessed and their immunizations must be updated or face exclusion from school.  A summary of the requirements follows:

Requirements for ages 3 years - 4 years

• 4 doses of Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP) vaccine
• 3 doses of Polio vaccine
• 3 doses of H. influenza type b (Hib) vaccine
• 1 doses of Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine on or after 12 months of age
• 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine
• 1 dose of Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine on or after 12 months of age, or date of the Chickenpox disease
• 4 doses of Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine or age appropriate complete series > 24 months

Requirements for ages 5 years - 6 years

• 4 doses of Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP) vaccine including a booster dose on or after the 4th birthday
• 3 doses of Polio vaccine including a booster dose on or after the 4th birthday
• 2 doses of Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine at least one month apart and with one dose on or after 12 months of age
• 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine
• 1 dose of Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine on or after 12 months of age, or date of the Chickenpox disease

Immunization Requirements for Children between the ages 7 - 18 years

• 4 doses of Diphtheria and Tetanus (DT), booster required every 10 years
• 3 doses of Polio vaccine
• 2 doses of Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine, at least one month apart and with first dose on or after 12 months of age
• 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine
• 1 dose of Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine (two doses if after the 13th birthday) or date of the Chickenpox disease

Date of immunizations is important in determining protection achieved.  Written proof of immunization from a healthcare provider or waiver signed by a parent/guardian must be provided to the school.

IMMUNIZATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FROM:

1. Your family health care provider by appointment.  Bring immunization records.  Parent or guardian must accompany child under 18 years.
2. Grand Traverse County Health Department, for appointment call 922-4831.  Bring immunization records.  Parent or guardian must accompany child under 18 years.
3. Munson Medical Center Specialty Immunization Walk-In Clinic (for uninsured or Medicaid insured patients only) at 106 South Madison, Traverse City, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 6 pm, Monday 6-9 pm.  Call 935-6270 for information.  Bring immunization records.  Parent or guardian must accompany childe under 18 years.

IMMUNIZATION RECOMMENDATIONS

Gardasil (Human Papilloma Virus)

• This is a new vaccine that is being recommended for girl’s ages 11 - 26.  This vaccine helps to prevent some strains of Human Papilloma Virus, which can cause cervical cancer in females.  Questions regarding this vaccine should be discussed with your child’s primary healthcare provider.

Meningitis Vaccine

• This is a new vaccine that is being recommended for students 11 years or older, especially high school freshman and seniors that have not already been immunized.  Meningococcal disease (meningitis) is a serious illness caused by bacteria, which infects the blood or tissues around the brain and spinal cord.  It can lead to brain damage, disability and death.

If you have questions, contact your school nurse or the Nursing Department at 933-5610.