We have been getting lots of calls from parents asking about their child’s immunization records. To attend a public or private school in Arkansas, there are certain vaccine requirements. In 2015, there were changes in the requirements for the Tdap, Meningitis, and Hepatitis A vaccine. We have put together a list of all the vaccines required for the upcoming school year.
Requirements for the School Year
Kindergarten to 1st Grade – (needs to have AT LEAST number of listed doses)
- DTAP- at least 4 doses- one doses has to be on or after 4th birthday
- Polio (IPV)- at least 3 doses- one dose has to be on or after 4th birthday
- MMR – 2 doses
- Hepatitis B- 3 doses
- Hepatitis A- at least 1 dose – on or after 1st birthday
- Varicella (Chickenpox) – 2 doses (or documented proof from a medical provider of disease)
2nd grade to 12th grade (needs to have AT LEAST number of listed doses)
- DTAP – 4 doses – one has to be on or after 4th birthday. unless unvaccinated for DTAP, than 3 doses for children 7 years and older.
- Tdap – 1 dose- required for age 11 (as of 9/1/14) and up
- Polio (IPV)- 3 doses- one dose has to be on or after 4th birthday
- MMR – 2 doses
- Hepatitis B – 3 doses
- Varicella – 2 doses (or documented proof from a medical provider of disease)
- Meningitis (MCV4/Menveo/Menactra)- 1 dose required for 7th grade, the 2nd dose required at age 16, unless unvaccinated by age 16, then only 1 dose required or if 1st meningitis vaccine was given after the age of 16, only 1 dose required.
Not required, but Highly recommended
- Series of 3 of the HPV/Gardasil vaccine for all adolescents
- 2 doses of Hepatitis A vaccine, at least 6 months apart
Why are there new recommendations?
In 2013, there were 466 cases of pertussis in Arkansas, up from 80 cases in 2011. Since the disease is highly contagious and easily spread from person to person, the best pertussis protection for older children and adults is through the Tdap shot. The Tdap shot also protects against tetanus and diphtheria. (Arkansas Department of Health)
More information on the Arkansas Department of Health required immunizations for school.
How do I check my child’s immunization record?
Log in to your myMANA account to view your child’s immunizations or call your doctor’s office to request a copy. If your child has not had a physical or any immunizations, contact your doctor’s office to request an appointment for a wellness exam today. Yearly wellness exams and immunizations for children are covered by most insurance plans and can include a sports physical for the upcoming year.