March 23, 2004

Little Rock --The Arkansas Department of Health, the Arkansas Department of Human Services, the Arkansas Department of Education and the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care are reminding parents to be prepared for “Kindergarten Round-up.” Each spring, local county health units, local human services departments, and schools encourage parents of children beginning kindergarten in August to make sure the childhood immunization schedule is up-to-date. By Arkansas law, children cannot enroll in kindergarten unless their immunizations are complete, are in the process of receiving needed vaccines, or have an exemption from the immunization requirements. 

To enroll in kindergarten, parents will need to bring the following items to register:

• Current shot/immunization record

• Copy of birth certificate

• Social security card

• Health history completed by parent/guardian

• Physical exam performed by health care professional

The current shot/immunization record will meet Department of Education requirements when children have received the following shots:

• 3 DTaP/DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis - at least one dose must have been administered after the child’s fourth birthday)

• IPV/OPV (polio) (at least one dose must have been administered after the child’s fourth birthday) 

• 2 Measles 

• 1 Mumps

• 1 Rubella

• 3 Hep B (Hepatitis B)

• 1 Varicella (chickenpox) ( A history of disease is acceptable in lieu of vaccine)

Parents should call their local county health unit or private physician and request a copy of their child’s immunization schedule, make sure it’s up-to-date, and schedule an appointment for immunizations if needed.

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