The New York State Health Department has announced a recent change in the immunization requirements for school entry related to diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine that will take effect September 1, 2007.

• Students who are entering 6th grade (or a comparable age-level special education school or program) on or after September 1, 2007 and who are 11 years of age or older must receive an immunization containing tetanus toxoids, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap).
   
• If a student has received a Td, DT, or DTaP vaccination within the last two years, the student's Tdap vaccination should be deferred (with rare exceptions) until a period of two years has elapsed.
   
• 10-year-old students who are entering 6th grade will not be required to receive a Tdap vaccine and will not be excluded from school, but they must be immunized when they turn 11 years old.

Varicella (Chickenpox)
This vaccine is required of all students entering kindergarten and 6th grade.

Hepatitis B Vaccine
This vaccine is required of all children enrolled in the 7th grade in any intermediate or middle school on or after September 1, 2000.