Immunization Information

  • The below charts show the vaccine requirements for children enrolled in preschool programs and in schools for the Maryland school year 2015-2016 per DHMH COMAR 10.06.04.03.  Please review your child's immunization record to determine if he/she has the proper number of doses.  Parents are responsible for providing proof of immunization to appropriate school personnel.  No child is to be admitted to school who is not properly immunized.  It is encouraged that immunizations be obtained from your child's doctor.  The Allegany County Health Department, located on Willowbrook Road in Cumberland, runs regularly scheduled clinics every Wednesday afternoon from 1-4 p.m. where children can receive their required immunizations.  Parents/guardians must take their child's shot record and accompany their child to sign consent forms. 
     
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    New requirements beginning the 2014-2015 school year are as follows:
    • 2 doses of Varicella vaccine for entry into kindergarten
    • 1 dose of Tdap vaccine for entry into 7th grade
    • 1 dose of Meningococcal vaccine for entry into 7th grade
    Footnotes
    1. If DT vaccine is given in place of DTP or DTap, a physician documented medical contraindication is required.
    2. Proof of immunity by positive blood test is acceptable in lieu of vaccine history for hepatitis B, polio, and measles, mumps rubella and varicella.
    3.  Hib and PCV (PrevnarTM) are not required for children older than 59 months (5 years) of age.
    4. All doses of measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccines should be given on or after the first birthday.  However, upon record review for students in preschool through 12th grade, a preschool or school may count as valid vaccine doses administered less than or equal to four (4) days before first birthday.
    5. One dose of varicella (chickenpox) is required for a student younger than 13 years old.  Two doses of varicella vaccine are required for students entering kindergarten and for previously unvaccinated students 13 years of age or older.  Medical diagnosis of varicella disease is acceptable in lieu of vaccination. Medical diagnosis is documented history of disease provided by a physician or health care provider. Documentation must include month and year. In the absence of documentation a medical provider or local health department may verify immunity via blood test, but revaccination may be more expedient. 
    6. Four (4) doses of DTP/DTaP are required for children less than 7 years old.  Three (3) doses of tetanus and diphtheria containing vaccine (any combination of the following - DTP, DTaP, Tdap, DT, or Td) are required for children 7 years of age and older.  One dose of Tdap vaccine received prior to entering 7th grade is acceptable and should be counted as a dose that fulfills the 7th grade Tdap requirement. 
    For more information, visit the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Center for Immunization, at dhmh.IZinfo@maryland.gov.