As kids get ready to go back to class, you may need to schedule a visit to the doctor.
Massachusetts has specific requirements for students and vaccines, but as Boston 25's
Allie Maria reports, how those requirements are enforced can vary depending on where you
live.
Vaccine requirements for kids are set by the state, but how your local school district
handles missing records could look a little different, so let's break this down a little
more.
Nothing has changed in Massachusetts.
We continue to follow recommendations.
The American Academy of Pediatrics hasn't changed anything significantly.
Massachusetts requires students in kindergarten through 12th grade to be vaccinated against
several diseases.
The exact number of doses depends on a student's age and grade.
In terms of what is required by the time you start kindergarten, what's required for middle
school.
But here's where it can get a bit confusing for families.
While the state sets those requirements, school districts are responsible for checking records
and enforcing compliance.
So if you're missing a vaccine, there could be a hiccup.
When we're talking about the school settings, it's so much easier for things to spread.
Whether it's an infection that's spread through contact, it would get like not coughing into
the elbow, but like coughing into a hand, touching a surface.
Last year, amid chickenpox cases and growing concern over measles, a review of Newton's
vaccine records found over 100 students were not fully in compliance with the state's immunization
requirements.
And nearly 40 students weren't fully vaccinated against measles.
Now students are required to be up to date or they can't go to class.
With measles, someone couldn't cough in a room, leave two hours later if there's been
someone who isn't protecting against measles, they can come in and become infected and that's
highly contagious.
A reminder that an up-to-date vaccine record is not a last minute homework assignment.
This isn't just a message for the kids, it's a message for everyone in the family to make
sure that you are fully protected against all the vaccines that you are eligible to
receive.
And don't assume that last year's paperwork covers this year.
If you have any questions about how your town is handling vaccine requirements, contact
your school nurse.
For state requirements, contact your doctor.
We're on scene in Newton.
I'm Elie Morillo for your local station, Boston 25 News.
