Information about New School Immunization Requirements for 2008-09

March 2008

The Wisconsin Student Immunization law was recently changed. Two different vaccine requirements were added. The change will go into effect in September 2008 with the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year. The following information should help answer your questions about the new requirements:

1. Why are these requirements being made?
From 1986 through 2004, Wisconsin had one of the highest rates of pertussis (whooping cough) in the nation with almost 5,000 cases being reported in 2004 alone. Pertussis outbreaks occur because protection decreases 5-10 years after completion of childhood DTP/DTaP vaccinations. Tdap vaccine was approved in 2005 and is given to adolescents and adults. Immunizing teens will prevent pertussis outbreaks in schools and communities. Pertussis can place a significant burden on children and parents because people with pertussis must be isolated for a minimum of 5 days of antibiotic treatment.

Two doses of varicella vaccine have been shown to be more effective than one dose in preventing "breakthrough disease" cases of chickenpox in children of all age groups.

Recommendations for both Tdap and varicella vaccines are made by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

2. What are the new requirements, what grades are affected and when will they begin?
Beginning this fall, the Wisconsin Student Immunization Law will require:

• 1 dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccine) for students entering grades 6 , 9 and 12, and
• 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine for students entering grades Kindergarten, 6 and 12.

3. What do parents need to do?
Have your child vaccinated with Tdap and/or varicella vaccine if he or she has not already received the vaccine(s).

• Use the printable Student Immunization Record at http://www.madison.k12.wi.us/cso/health to provide additional immunization dates.
• Print the form and record the date(s) of the immunization(s) on the form.
• Sign the form and return it to your child's school health office.

You may also:

• fax the form to 442-2183 or
• submit the information on-line at http://www.madison.k12.wi.us/cso/health.

To claim a waiver for health, religious or personal conviction reasons follow the instructions on the Student Immunization Record and return the signed form to your child's school.

Also, be sure to add the Tdap and varicella vaccine dates to the permanent immunization record you keep for your child at home. In the future, he or she may need to give these dates to other schools, colleges or employers.

4. Are there exceptions to the Tdap and varicella vaccine requirements?

Yes, there are two:

• If your child will be entering grades 6, 9, or 12 and already received a tetanus-containing vaccine (e.g. Td vaccine) within the last 5 years, your child is compliant and Tdap vaccine is not required at this time. Add the Td to the enclosed record and return it.
• If your child had chickenpox disease, even after the 1st dose of varicella vaccine, further doses of the vaccine are not required. Indicate on the enclosed record that your child had chicken pox.

5. If my child already had pertussis disease, should he or she still get the Tdap vaccine?
Children who have had pertussis disease should receive Tdap according to the routine recommendations because the length of protection provided by disease is unknown and because the diagnosis can be difficult to confirm. This is not an exception to the Tdap requirement.

6. Where can I get Tdap and/or varicella vaccine for my child?
All of the clinics in Dane County know about and support this requirement. These vaccines are available from your child's primary care provider or local health department. Please schedule an appointment with your primary care provider soon to avoid the late summer rush at clinics. For more information about this requirement, contact your child's school nurse or your primary care provider. For information about public health department immunization clinic schedules only, go to http://www.cityofmadison.com/health/phn/immunizations.html or call Public Health Madison-Dane County at 266-4821.

Health Information

For more information, contact:
Freddi Adelson, Health Services Coordinator
Madison Metropolitan School District
545 W. Dayton St.
Madison, WI 53703