Vaccine Rules for Alabama Students

(TVWY) - Kids are preparing to return to school, yet prior to entering the classroom, specific vaccinations are necessary.

All children attending daycare, Head Start programs, and both public and private schools must have an up-to-date vaccination record on hand with the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Childcare and Head Start participants should have received all necessary vaccinations for diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, measles, mumps, rubella, Haemophilus influenzae type B, polio, and varicella.

Students from kindergarten at age 5 up to 12th grade are required to receive five shots for diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (with only four needed if the fourth shot was administered following their fourth birthday). Additionally, they must get four doses of the polio vaccination (three if the third dose occurred after their fourth birthday).

The tetanus-diphtheria toxin shot requires additional doses every five to ten years following the childhood vaccination.

Kids must also be vaccinated with two shots of the measles vaccine and one shot each for mumps and rubella. This is typically done through two doses of the MMR vaccine.

The varicella (chickenpox) vaccination is mandatory for enrollment in school for every child from kindergarten up to 12th grade. Evidence of immunity to varicella or proof of having had chickenpox is also accepted.

Vaccine mandates differ among colleges. Nonetheless, the ADPH advises students to have received all standard childhood vaccinations. Additionally, it is suggested that individuals moving into dormitories get vaccinated against meningitis.

Alabama does not accept exemptions based on philosophy, morality, or ethics for vaccinations. A medical exemption can be provided by a doctor, and an Alabama Certificate of Religious Exemption can be acquired through the local county health department.

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