Back-To-School Means Immunization Checks For Students July 28, 2005 thecarolinachannel.com No. 2 pencils, loose leaf paper, staplers and books are all part of starting the school year off right, but most doctors want children to start the year off healthy. As you check off items on your children's school supplies list, doctors said to also take a glance at their medical records. "The child has to have a South Carolina immunization card, up-to-date, to get into school," said Dr. Ed Frost, the DHEC Regional Medical director. But don't worry, schools will help get you prepared. "I asked them basically, 'What all do I need to get?'" said parent Wendy Woods. "And she gave me forms that I have to fill out and doctors have to fill out." Parents said preventing disease is worth the trip to the doctor. "With sickness going around as easily as it does, it's really important that we keep up to date," one parent said. Doctors at the state health department said schools are breeding grounds for germs and bacteria. "It's like an incubator," said Frost. "They're in a building and they're all breathing on each other." DHEC said the new immunization requirements for the 2005-2006 school year includes the chickenpox vaccine for all children entering schools up through the fifth grade. However, if the child's medical record indicates a positive history of chickenpox, the immunization is not required but that history must be included on the S.C. Certificate of Immunization. Another requirement for the new school year is for students entering five year old kindergarten or the first grade, the Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP) vaccine requirement is increased from three to four doses, with at least one dose received after the child's fourth birthday. For more information on which shots your children need before going back to school, you can call the state health department at (800) 277-4687. http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/wyff/20050728/lo_wyff/2849511 Back To Guvment Skool Page 7 COPYRIGHT "DUHMAG.COM" 2005