Does my child need the Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccine?
The Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccine has been mandated for children entering into any school-operated program for the first time at kindergarten level and below, beginning July 1, 2002. All students will be required to present proof that they received the immunization or have had the disease. This requirement is progressive. This means that for the 2003-04 school year, the mandate included first graders as well as preschoolers/ kindergarten; in 2004-05, second graders were included, etc. This vaccine is mandated for anyone who move into Illinois and is at the designated grade level. Your child’s physician must document this on the immunization record. If your child has had the ChickenPox disease, you must discuss this with the physician. The physician will need to document this fact, according to State guidelines.
Related Questions
- Can the varicella vaccine cause chickenpox? Can other children or adults get chickenpox from being exposed to a child who has recently received the vaccine?
- Should a child who has had a case of chickenpox prior to the first birthday get the first dose of varicella vaccine at 1 year of age?
- Does my child need the Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccine?
