Student Immunization Program

Before enrolling in a Department of Defense school, students are required to have the following immunizations listed in the attached document.

• Immunization requirements 2012-2013
• DoDEA Immunization Requirements Form

Parents, guardians, or sponsors should maintain their child’s immunizations in accordance with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

Official proof of immunization (i.e., copy of child’s immunization/shot record) must be provided to school officials at the time of initial registration * and upon request of school officials to verify continued immunization compliance. Should the immunization documentation reveal missing immunization data, the necessary immunizations must be obtained and proof of immunization compliance presented to school officials, within thirty (30) days of initial enrollment, for continued enrollment in DoDEA. For immunizations that require a series of vaccinations to complete immunity, the next in the series is due no-later-than (NLT) 10 days after the due date as determined by the ACIP series spacing requirements. Failure to present proof of immunization compliance may result in the disenrollment of the child until proof of immunization compliance is presented to school officials.

All DoDEA schools comply with the immunization compliance program. Immunization compliance is a condition of attendance in the DoDEA system.

*As of July 2010, DoDEA recognized the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. The compact language reads that, “Compacting states shall give thirty (30) calendar days from the date of enrollment for required immunizations. For a series of immunizations initial immunizations must be obtained within thirty (30) calendar days.”

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Medical Information

Annual Well-Child Physical

Parents, guardians, or sponsors of children enrolling in a Department of Defense Dependent School (DoDEA) are encouraged to provide their child with an annual well child physical by their primary health care provider or by the medical treatment facility (MTF) responsible for primary care at their current military installation. An annual physical examination focuses on specific assessments that are appropriate for the child’s or adolescent’s age, developmental phase and needs. It provides opportunities to identify silent or subtle illnesses or conditions and provides time for the health care professional to educate children and their parents about the body and its growth and development.

First Aid and Emergency Care

School principals establish first-aid and emergency-care plans, and the medical authority on each installation review these procedures each year. School personnel cannot give or recommend medicines except as provided in DSM 2942.0.

Medicines at School

Of course, it's best that students not take medicine during school hours. However, when it is necessary for a student to take medication at school, he or she must leave the medication with the school nurse for safekeeping. The medicine must be in a pharmacy-labeled container with the student's name, the name of the medication, and the scheduled dose or doses. Each student must also bring a parent's written permission to take the medication and written orders from the physician.

If the school nurse is not present, the student must present the medication to the school principal, acting principal, or health aide for safekeeping.

In extremely rare situations, students are allowed to keep their medicine with them while in school or at school-related activities. The student's prescribing physician must provide a written statement that the student has to keep the medication at all times; also, a parent must provide written permission for the medication to stay with the student. These rare circumstances are usually for field trips and involve the need to carry asthma medication or an epinephrine kit for severe allergic reactions to insect stings.

See the school nurse to obtain appropriate paper work for medications to be administered during school hours.

School Health Services

Each DoDDS school must have a well-planned health program managed by a school nurse. While the School Health Services Program is not meant to take the place of health care provided by family doctors, the program does help children learn how to stay healthy and perform well in school.

A well-planned School Health Services Program should include health assessments, such as tests for vision and hearing, and for placement and assistance of students with disabilities; early identification and help for health problems; school health care plans for students with long-term problems such as asthma, allergy to insect stings, etc.; and control of easily spread illnesses, such as the flu or measles. For more information on your School Health Services Program, contact your school nurse.

When To Keep A Child Home From School

When To Keep a Child Home: When is your child too sick to attend school? This resource will help parents make this important decision.

Special Education and Related Services

When appropriate, medical professionals will conduct a medical screening and work with DoD Dependents' Schools personnel to determine whether a child has a disabling condition.