Vaccination Requirements

Flu | Head Lice | Enterovirus D68 | MRSA | Ebola | Measles | Scabies | Ringworm | Pink eye

Students who were previously granted religious exemptions now must receive certain immunizations as required by New York state. Medical exemptions for immunizations are still in effect in situations where a treating physician declares that the required immunization(s) would be detrimental to the child’s health.

Prior to the start of the 2019-2020 school year, absent a doctor’s certification for a medical exemption, all students must receive or have received the following required immunizations:

Poliomyelitis
Mumps
Measles
Diphtheria
Rubella
Hepatitis B
Varicella
Pertussis
Tetanus
Meningitis
Haemophilus influenzae type b
Pneumococcal disease

If your child plans to attend a summer school program, he or she must begin all of the required immunizations before they will be admitted. The state issued a memo stating children must receive the first age-appropriate dose of the required immunizations by June 28, 2019 and by July 14 must show that appointments for your child have been scheduled for all required follow-up doses.

If your child is not enrolled in summer school, they must receive the required immunizations no later than 14 days after the first day of school. Within 30 days of the first day of school, you must show that you have made appointments for your child to receive all follow-up doses.

If your child does not receive the required immunizations within the above timeframes, or if you fail to provide the district with a valid medical exemption from a doctor, your child will be excluded for district schools. This is not a Mohonasen decision or policy; this is now New York state law.

Questions & Answers

The following Q&A is provided by the NYS Department of Health.

Does the new law apply to children’s camps issued a permit by the State or local health department?
No. The new legislation applies to schools as defined in Public Health Law §2164 and does not apply to children’s camps that are issued a permit by the State or local health department.
My child had a religious exemption and attends summer school, or extended school year (ESY) for students with disabilities, which are not children’s camps. Does the new law apply to summer school/ESY and if so, what is the timeline I must follow to get my child vaccinated so my child can continue to attend school?
Yes, the law applies to both summer school and ESY. Proof of immunization must be provided within 14 days after the first day of summer school/ESY. The 14 days may be extended where the student is transferring from out of state or from another country and can show a good faith effort to get the necessary evidence; or, where the parent, guardian or any other person in parental relationship can demonstrate that a child has received the first age-appropriate dose in each immunization series within the 14 days and that they have age-appropriate scheduled appointments for follow-up doses to complete the immunization series in accordance with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (“ACIP”) “Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedules for ages 18 years or younger.” Thereafter, if such students require additional vaccinations due to entering a new grade level when school starts again in the future, those students must provide evidence of having received any additional age-appropriate required immunizations within 14 days of the first day instruction commences. The 14 days may be extended where the parent, guardian or any other person in parental relationship can demonstrate that a child has received the first age-appropriate dose in each immunization series within the 14 days and that they have age-appropriate scheduled appointments for follow-up doses to complete the immunization series in accordance with the ACIP “Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedules for ages 18 years or younger.” https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html
When do parents need to provide proof of immunization in the fall for students who did not attend summer school or ESY?
Proof of immunization must be provided within 14 days after the first day of instruction in September. The 14 days may be extended where the student is transferring from out of state or from another county and can show a good faith effort to get the necessary evidence or where the parent, guardian or any other person in parental relationship can demonstrate that a child has received the first age-appropriate dose in each immunization series within the 14 days and that they have age-appropriate scheduled appointments for follow-up doses to complete the immunization services.
Does the new law apply to attendance at activities that are on school property but open to the general public? Examples may include: SAT prep, sporting events, and plays.
No. The new legislation does not apply to attendance at activities on school property that are open to the general public.
My child’s school operates year-round, excluding ESY and summer school. When did the new law start applying to year-round schools?
The change in the law took effect on June 13, 2019 and allowed 14 days for children to get their first dose of each required vaccine in order to be admitted to or continue attending school. Therefore, children at year-round schools were required to be vaccinated with the first doses by June 28, 2019. These children must be excluded from school immediately if they do not meet this requirement.
Does this new law apply to students aged 18 and older?
No. The mandatory vaccination law only applies to a child, which Public Health Law §2164(1)(b) defines as a person between the ages of two months and 18 years. Once a student reaches the age 18, he/she is no longer required to show proof of immunization.
My child’s school operates a year-round daycare center. When did the new law start applying to these year-round daycare centers in schools?
The change in the law took effect on June 13, 2019 and allowed 14 days for children to get their first dose of each required vaccine. Therefore, children at year-round daycare centers are required to be vaccinated with the first doses by June 28, 2019. These children must be excluded from daycare centers in school immediately if they do not meet these requirements.
My child had a religious exemption before the new law was enacted. Is my religious exemption still valid?
No. Religious exemptions are no longer valid in New York State.
Does the new requirement apply to charter schools?
Yes.
Do I need to schedule all of my child’s appointments for all required doses, including all follow-up doses, within 30 days of the first day of attendance?
Parents and guardians must demonstrate, within 30 days of the first day of attendance, that their child has age-appropriate appointments scheduled for the next follow-up doses to complete the immunization series in accordance with the ACIP schedule. However, the actual appointments for the follow-up doses may be more than 30 days out, so long as they are in accordance with the ACIP schedule available online at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html.
When are follow-up doses required for children who received their first doses prior to the change in law and are overdue for their next doses?
Such students must still receive their next doses as soon as they are due, in accordance with the ACIP schedule. Children must receive all first doses, or overdue follow-up doses if they already received prior doses in a series, within 14 days of school or child daycare attendance, and must provide evidence of age-appropriate appointments for the next follow-up doses, in accordance with the ACIP schedule, within 30 days of the first day of attendance. All required vaccine schedules must be completed in accordance with the ACIP schedule. Here is a link for the routine immunization and catch up schedules: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html
Is the rotavirus vaccine required to attend school?
No.
My child never received the pneumococcal vaccine or Haemophilus Influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine as a baby. Now my child is entering kindergarten. According to the ACIP schedule, healthy children age 5 and older don’t need these vaccines. Does my child still need these vaccines to attend school?No. Pneumococcal and Haemophilus Influenzae type B (Hib) vaccines are only required for daycares and pre-kindergarten programs. Children in kindergarten through grade 12 do not need to receive a pneumococcal or Hib vaccine.
Who may issue a medical exemption?
Pursuant to Section 2164 of the Public Health Law, only physicians licensed to practice medicine in NYS may issue a medical exemption.
Is serological evidence of immunity acceptable proof of immunization for school enrollment?
A positive serologic test can be accepted as proof of immunity for school enrollment only for the following diseases: measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), hepatitis B and all three serotypes of poliomyelitis found in the polio vaccines.
If I’m a Group Family Child Care Provider, with my own children in my home, in addition to daycare children, what are my options regarding my own children who remain in the home during daycare hours and are not vaccinated? Can they remain in another part of the house during daycare hours?
In home-based childcare programs (family daycare and group family daycare), a provider’s own non-school aged children count in the program’s capacity and are considered to be enrolled in the program. The provider must comply with Public Health Law and New York State Child Care Regulations regarding immunizations and must keep documentation of immunizations all enrolled children have received, including the provider’s own children. The provider’s own children who are enrolled in kindergarten or a higher grade do not count in the program’s capacity, and OCFS does not review immunization records of school-aged children.
Are “homeoprophylaxis vaccines” acceptable alternatives for required vaccinations?
No. Only licensed vaccines recommended by the ACIP are acceptable.
Are out-of-country immunization records acceptable?
Yes, as long as they are official records and can be read and understood by the school or have been reviewed and signed by a physician licensed to practice medicine in NYS.
Are children allowed to follow a delayed vaccination schedule for required vaccines?
No. The ACIP schedule must be used. Delayed vaccination schedules are not permitted.
What does the June 30, 2020 date mean in the law?
Until June 30, 2020, a child can attend school if they receive the first age-appropriate dose in each immunization series within 14 days from the first day of school attendance and can show within 30 days that they have scheduled age-appropriate appointments for required follow-up doses. This allows students who were not fully up-to-date on their vaccinations on June 13, 2019, when the law was enacted, to continue to attend school, as long as they receive the first age-appropriate dose in each immunization series within 14 days from the first day of school attendance and can show within 30 days that they have scheduled age-appropriate appointments for required follow-up doses. By June 30, 2020, all students who were attending school at the time the law was enacted are expected to be fully up-to-date on their required immunizations and therefore the 30-day extension allowing such children to be enrolled as long as they have scheduled appointments to complete their immunization series according to the ACIP schedule will expire.
Can all required vaccines be given at the same time? Can the schedule be spread out?
Scientific data show that getting several vaccines at the same time does not cause any health problems. If combination vaccines are used, the number of injections can be reduced. The highest number of vaccines that a child might need to attend school or daycare is seven. However, the number varies by age, and older children need fewer doses to catch up. It is important to note that infants routinely get multiple vaccines at once, according to the ACIP schedule. The ACIP schedule is approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Practice, and is the standard of practice for vaccination in the United States. Vaccines can be spread out to start, so long as a child receives the first age-appropriate dose in each immunization series within 14 days of the first day of attendance.
If a school doesn’t receive State Aid, can it offer religious exemptions to the vaccination requirement?
No. All schools must comply with the immunization requirements, regardless of whether they receive State Aid. Public Health Law §2164(1)(a) defines “school” to include any public, private or parochial child caring center, day nursery, day care agency, nursery school, kindergarten, elementary, intermediate or secondary school.

Seasonal Flu Guide for Parents

Seasonal influenza is serious. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) would like parents to know about influenza and the benefits of influenza immunizations.

Information is also free, accessible and available in different languages here.

If you have any trouble accessing the documents linked from this page, please contact the Communications Office at 356-8250. The FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader can be downloaded here.

Head Lice

Head lice are one of the most common childhood diseases. Head lice are wingless insects that live on the hair and scalp of humans. The lice eggs are called nits. They are spread easily from one person to another by direct contact. LICE DO NOT JUMP OR FLY. They may not be spread from pets or animals to humans. Anyone may be infected regardless of personal hygiene.

Lice and their nits are found by looking through the hair and on the scalp. The nits are found “glued” on the hair shaft usually close to the scalp. Unlike dandruff or hairspray/ gel build up, they will not slide or brush off the hair shaft. Nits are very small and shaped like a tear drop. It takes about 2 weeks for the baby louse to mature to adult size. Adult lice are about 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch long. Nits/ lice will vary in color from a creamy tan to a grayish brown with darker edges.

Learn more on the CDC Website.

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68)

EV-D68 is one of more than 100 types of enteroviruses that cause 10 to 15 million infections annually in the United States, though EV-D68 is less common than other types. The virus can cause severe respiratory illness in children and others. Children with asthma seem to be especially susceptible.

Who can get infected with enteroviruses?

Anyone is susceptible to becoming infected with enteroviruses. However, infants, children and teens are more likely to become ill because they have yet to build up immunity to such viruses. In some states, children with asthma seem to be at higher risk for developing severe symptoms, as do people with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems.

What are the symptoms of EV-D68?

The symptoms of mild cases include: runny nose, sneezing, coughs, body aches, fever, rashes and mouth blisters. It is often difficult to tell the difference between the common cold and EV-D68, as the symptoms are so similar. Parents should contact their family physician with concerns, if children have difficulty breathing or if symptoms become severe.

How does the virus spread?

Enteroviruses are spread through close contact with someone who is infected — for example, by touching objects or surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

How can I protect myself?

You can help protect yourself from EV-D68 (and other viral infections) by:

Frequently and thoroughly washing your hands, especially after changing diapers;
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands;
Refraining from kissing, hugging and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are ill;
Disinfecting surfaces that are touched frequently, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.

What are the treatments for EV-D68?

There are no specific treatments for EV-D68 or any vaccines to prevent EV-D68-related illnesses. According to the CDC, many infections are mild and require only treating the symptoms. People who have severe respiratory illnesses caused by EV-D68 may need hospitalization.

How can I get more information?

Visit the CDC Website or the New York State Department of Health. You can also contact your family physician.

MRSA

While MRSA is not uncommon, it is a potentially dangerous type of staph bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics and may cause skin and other infections. This infection commonly causes boils and soft tissue infection. The symptoms may include redness, areas warm to the touch, pain, drainage, discomfort, and swelling.

MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria normally carried on the skin and in the nose of healthy people. Some staph bacteria are resistant to the class of antibiotics usually used to treat staph infections, such as methicillin, and are referred to as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. If a diagnosis of MRSA is made, the infection is treated with a different antibiotic.

Mohonasen reports any known cases of MRSA involving students to the Schenectady County Health Department. In this event, a school nurse will follow up with the physician(s) of students who have either been referred for screening or have tested positive.

Steps Mohonasen has taken to ensure the safety and well-being of students:

Classrooms, athletic facilities and buses are regularly cleaned and disinfected. For the last three years Mohonasen has used a cleaning agent that is designed to kill MRSA bacteria.
We continue to reinforce good hygiene practices with our general student populations and our student athletes. Health authorities say this illness is more likely to occur in populations where individuals work in close quarters and may share personal objects like towels. Please encourage your children to wash their hands thoroughly with soap, which health authorities tell us is the best preventive for this infection.
All physical education teachers have been provided with information on how to prevent the spread of infection.
Equipment in the weight room is sprayed after each use by each athlete or staff member.
Benches in the locker rooms are wiped down with an antiseptic.
School nurses have increased building-wide efforts to encourage students to wash hands regularly.

Steps to help avoid an MRSA infection include:

Wash your hands frequently and carefully;
Avoid sharing personal items such as towels and razors;
Athletes should avoid sharing equipment;
Athletic equipment/mats should be wiped down after use with commercial disinfectant or a 1:100 solution of diluted bleach;
Athletes should shower after practices and competitions; and
Anyone with an open wound or cut should keep it protected by a dressing or bandage.

If you or your child is displaying any of these symptoms, or if you have concerns about your child’s health, please contact your family physician. If your child has a confirmed or suspected infection, please contact your school nurse.

Additional Resources

Ebola

According to the Department of Health and State Education Department, “The likelihood of a student with symptoms of Ebola presenting in a school in New York is exceedingly small.” In an abundance of caution, though, districts across the state are being proactive and sharing tips on how to help prevent the spread of illnesses, as well as facts about Ebola.

Facts about Ebola

Ebola is a rare disease found mostly in African countries. The first Ebola species was identified in 1976, and the disease has occurred sporadically in Africa since that time. Here are other facts you should note about the disease:

Ebola is ONLY spread through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of a person who is sick and is exhibiting symptoms or through touching such contaminated objects as needles and syringes.
Ebola does NOT spread through casual contact.
Ebola is NOT spread through the air and doesn’t appear to stick to surfaces.
Ebola is NOT spread through water or through food grown or legally purchased in the United States.
Ebola patients cannot infect other people before they show signs of the illness.
Health care workers and family/friends of an infected person are at highest risk of being exposed to the Ebola virus.
Symptoms can appear between two and 21 days after exposure.

Many Ebola symptoms similar to those of other illnesses

The symptoms of Ebola include fever (greater than 101.5°F or 38.6◦C), severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and unexplained bleeding or bruising. Since many of these symptoms are similar to those for colds and the flu, it’s important to keep in mind that the chances of getting Ebola are extremely low (unless a person has traveled to an affected area), while also acting to prevent more common illnesses. The Mohonasen Central School District previously released Flu Facts for Parents, which outlines flu symptoms and prevention tips. Recommendations for preventing the spread of the Ebola virus are much like those for preventing the spread of the flu. For example, parents are always asked to keep children home if they have a fever, vomiting or diarrhea. Other tips are as follows:

Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizers.
Cover your cough. Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing; throw the tissue away after using it.
Avoid close contact with people who have colds or the flu.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth (germs spread this way).
Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, faucet handles and toys.

The district is staying informed through continued contact with local and state health agencies. These agencies have provided some recommendations to school health offices, such as reviewing infection control practices, maintaining proper procedures when interacting with ill students and ensuring adequate supplies of personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves). It is expected that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local health agencies will issue additional guidance specific to school districts if necessary.

Additional resources

If you have any trouble accessing the documents linked from this page, please contact the Communications Office at 356-8250. The FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader can be downloaded here.

Measles

There was a time when measles was a major health concern. Prior to 1963 when a vaccine became available, nearly all children (3 to 4 million people) got measles by the time they were 15 years of age. Of those, an estimated 400 to 500 died, 4,000 suffered encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and 48,000 were hospitalized. The introduction of a vaccine drastically reduced the numbers of cases, culminating in the announcement in 2000 that the disease was “eliminated” (no longer constantly circulating) in the United States.

The risk of contracting measles in this country remains small, as most Americans are protected against measles through vaccination. However, the rising numbers of unvaccinated individuals is cause for concern and the most significant factor cited in the growing incidence of measles outbreaks in this country. In 2014, the United States had 644 measles cases, the highest number since 1996. New York state had 32 cases of measles in 2014.

What is measles?

Measles is a serious, highly contagious and potentially fatal virus that is spread by contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected people. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and a characteristic rash that appears three to five days after the onset of illness. Without complications, the typical duration of the illness is seven to 10 days.

It should be noted that measles can produce serious complications and, in rare cases, death. Major complications can include pneumonia and encephalitis. Complications occur in up to 30 percent of all measles cases, with those under the age of 5 and over the age of 20 at greatest risk. Pregnant women who contract measles have an increased risk of low-birth-weight infants, premature labor, miscarriage and babies born with birth defects.

Who can get infected with measles?

Anyone who has not been vaccinated against measles or who has never had the disease is susceptible to becoming infected and spreading it to others, including those who cannot get vaccinated because they are too young or have specific health conditions.

What are the symptoms of measles?

Measles symptoms, which typically appear 10 to 14 days after exposure, begin with cold-like symptoms including a fever, cough and runny nose. Eyes may become reddened and sensitive to light and fever may continue to rise, often peaking as high as 103°to 105° F. The second stage of the illness features a rash that usually begins on the face and spreads downward to the back, trunk and then limbs. Parents should contact their family physician if children display symptoms.

How does the virus spread?

With an extremely high transmission rate of 90 percent, measles is one of the most contagious viral illnesses in existence. It is transmitted primarily through coughing and sneezing. However, the virus can also live on contaminated surfaces and in the air for up to two hours.

Infected individuals are contagious up to four days before and four days after the onset of the measles rash.

How can I protect myself and my children?

According to the CDC, vaccination is the single best way to protect against measles. The recommended two doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are 97 percent effective in preventing the illness. The first dose should be given at 12 to 15 months of age. The second dose is routinely given at 4 to 6 years of age. However, unprotected persons can get the vaccine at any age.

For those travelling internationally, the CDC recommends that all U.S. residents older than 6 months who have not been previously vaccinated receive the MMR vaccine prior to departure.

If you are unsure if you or your children were vaccinated, talk with your doctor.

Is vaccination required by schools in New York state?

Yes. In New York state, measles immunizations are required of all children enrolled in pre-kindergarten programs and public and private schools as mandated by New York Public Health Law §2164. Limited exemptions to the vaccination requirement are permitted for medical reasons, pending the appropriate documentation from a student’s physician.

What happens if there is an outbreak at my child’s school?

In the event a case of measles is diagnosed in a student or staff member at your child’s school, school officials are required to report the case to their local department of health in compliance with state and federal confidentiality laws. Schools will work in consultation with their medical director or physician and the DOH to develop a policy for notification and disease surveillance and control among students and staff.

How can I get more information?

Visit the CDC website or the New York State Department of Health website. You can also contact your family physician.

Scabies

Scabies is a common infectious disease of the skin caused by a mite. Scabies mites burrow into the skin producing pimple-like irritations or burrows. Scabies can affect anyone.

How is Scabies spread?

Scabies mites are transferred by direct skin to skin contact. Indirect transfer of scabies can occur only in items that have been contaminated by infected people.

What are the symptoms of Scabies?

The most common symptoms of scabies is intense itching particularly at night. The areas of the skin most affected by scabies include the webs and sides of the fingers, around the wrists, elbows, armpits, waist and thighs.

How soon do symptoms appear?

Symptoms will appear from 2 – 6 weeks in people who have not previously been exposed to scabies. People who have had previous bout with scabies mites may show symptoms within 1-4 days after exposure.

When and or how long is a person able to spread Scabies?

A person is able to spread scabies until mites and eggs are destroyed by treatment.

What is the treatment for Scabies?

Medication is available through a prescription from the doctor. If your doctor diagnosis your child with scabies, please notify the your school nurse. Children may return to school 24 hours after treatment and with a doctors note verifying treatment.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a very common fungal infection of the skin which starts as a small red spot and enlarges in a circular fashion clearing in the center as it enlarges. Most children will have a single lesion, but on occasion will develop more. Ringworm is contagious and is spread through direct and indirect contact. The incubation period is 4 to 10 days.

It is easily treated with preparations such as Lotrimin or Tinactin whichever your physician prefers. The first treatment renders the child non-contagious. If the scalp is involved, it may be necessary to take internal medications. In this case the child is contagious for 2-5 days and must remain out of school.

Some symptoms:

A rash, which is generally ring shaped
It may be itchy
Usually found on face, arms or neck
Rash usually begins small, red or colorless with raised edge at border
It may be dry and scaly or crusty and moist

To help prevent spreading of ringworm:

Contact your doctor
Keep your child away from others until treated(at least 24 hours on medicine
Cover area with a bandage
Good handwashing
Use separate towels and wash cloths for your child
Clean items that may have been used by your child
Discourage scratching as this may lead to the spread of the the rash
Notify the school of this condition.

Any concerns you may have can be addressed by your school nurse.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

“Pink eye” (conjunctivitis) is a contagious illness causing an inflammation of the thin transparent outer layer of the eyeball and the inner layer of the eyelids. The inflammation causes redness of the eye and a watery or purulent drainage. Dried discharge on the eyelids/lashes is often noted upon awakening.

What is the incubation period? (How long after contact can illness develop?)

The incubation period varies from 1-12 days depending on the cause — bacterial, viral or allergic.

How is the infection spread?

The infection is spread through contact with secretions from eyes of an infected person or contaminated surfaces.

When is the child most contagious?

Depending on the cause, the child can be contagious for up to two weeks.

When can the child return to school?

The child may return when the student has been on medication for 24 hours or on the recommendation of the child’s physician. Bacterial conjunctivitis requires antibiotic treatment.

How can spreading the infection be prevented?

You can prevent the spread of infection through:

Good hand washing and hygiene; especially after children touch their faces or before they have contact with others.
Proper disposal of soiled tissues
Proper disinfection of surfaces and toys.
Avoiding sharing linens.

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