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FAQs for Parents (School & Child-care)

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FAQs for Parents: | Hepatitis A | Pneumococcal | Conscientious Exemption |

Hepatitis A

1. Is it true that Hepatitis A is now a statewide requirement for children?

Effective September 1, 2005, House Bill (HB) 1316 will become law. This law requires that children attending child-care facilities be vaccinated against invasive pneumococcal and hepatitis A diseases. This change will only affect children attending pre-kindergarten, Head Start, or other early childhood programs.

2. At what age does my child need to start receiving the Hepatitis A vaccine and how many doses are required?

Your child should receive the first dose no earlier then at age two. The booster dose is to be administered 6 to 18 months later.

3. Where can I go to receive the Hepatitis A vaccine doses for my child?

Contact your health care provider or your local health department.

4. Can hepatitis A vaccine be given at the same time as all other vaccines?

Yes

5. Are there any exceptions for my child to receive the Hepatitis A vaccine?

Yes. They can receive a conscientious exemption from the Department of State Health Services or if necessary, a medical exemption from their health care provider.

6. Are there any changes for Hepatitis A requirements for grades K-3?

No, only students in counties designated by the department are required to have Hep A vaccine for grades K-3.

7. I'm a school nurse and we have a student that's in pre-k. How long do they have to complete the Hepatitis A series?

The second dose to complete the series should be separated by six to 18 months after the first dose.

8. Can a school nurse exclude a student if they don't complete the series at six months?

No. The child cannot be excluded from school. He/she has up to 18 months after the first dose to complete the series.

9. Are after school program required to comply with the new law?

No.

Pneumococcal

Yes. As of September 1, 2005 Pneumococcal will be a statewide requirement for children 59 months and younger attending pre-k and all child-care facilities.

11. At what age does my child need to start receiving the vaccine?

The recommended age to receive the first dose is at 2 months of age.

12. What if my child doesn't have the Pneumococcal vaccine on the day the child-care facility opens. Will my child be allowed to enter?

Most schools start mid August and the law is effective September 1, 2005. So technically your child can enroll, but he/she must get the first dose by September 1, 2005.

13. What if I have a student 24-59 months and they have received only one dose of the PCV7 before the age of 12 months, do they need another dose of PCV7?

Yes. They will need another dose of PCV7.

14. What if a student, who is five years of age, has never received a PCV7 and is in pre-K. Does the student still need the PCV7?

No

Conscientious Exemption

15. I have already submitted a conscientious exemption for my child to the school, can I check another vaccine on the form after the document has already been turned in?

No. Once the Affidavit has been signed and notarized, the document may not be altered.

16. I just found out that Pneumococcal is a newly required vaccine, and I have already submitted a conscientious exemption form to the school. Can I just write on the form that I want my child to be exempt from that vaccine?

No. You must request another form from the Department of State Health Services and check any additional vaccines you would like your child to be excluded from. Once the affidavit has been signed and notarized, the document may not be altered. Both affidavit forms will be valid at the same time.

Sample letter for requesting an exemption form:

• PDF Format (11KB, :03)
• MS Word Format (20KB, :05)

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Last Updated October 31, 2005