August 13, 2003

Little Rock --The Arkansas Department of Health is reminding parents to be sure their children’s immunizations are up-to-date. Disease prevention is the key to public health. Childhood vaccines prevent disease and protect children who come into contact with unvaccinated individuals. Arkansas experienced one of the worst outbreaks of pertussis disease in the U.S. in late 2001-2002. Approximately, 1,300 cases of whooping cough occurred and Arkansas is still experiencing cases of pertussis disease. The Department advises parents to help protect their children against serious diseases before they go back to school by asking their doctor if vaccinations against potentially serious diseases are appropriate for the child.

The following list of diseases should be discussed with the child’s health care provider to see if vaccination is recommended: chickenpox, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and pneumococcal. Vaccination against these diseases is recommended by the U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)

The Arkansas Department of Health immunization requirements, effective for the 2003-2004 school year, for students attending kindergarten through the twelfth grade are: 3 doses DTaP (1 dose after 4^th birthday), 3 doses polio (1 dose after 4^th birthday), 2 doses measles, 1 dose rubella and 1 dose mumps, 1 dose of varicella (chickenpox) for students in kindergarten, and 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine for students in kindergarten, seventh grade, and transfer students (students who did not attend the same school district last year).

These requirements comply with the endorsements of both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia.

If you have additional questions concerning these requirements, contact your family physician or local health unit, or visit the Arkansas Department of Health Web site at www.healthyarkansas.com.

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