IMPORTANT NOTICE

On January 17, 2007 the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's Board of Health approved additional vaccine requirements for children in childcare settings and schools beginning in the 2007-2008 school year. 

Specific Rule Changes and Requirements

Pneumococcal Disease (Prevnar/PVC7)

Pneumonia is a contagious disease that can have serious effects in infants and young children.  The vaccine, Prevnar (PVC7), is an effective immunization administered in a series to children to prevent pneumonia.  Nationally the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommend the routine vaccination of preschool children with the PVC7 vaccine.  It will now be required for children in licensed childcare.

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Varicella or chickenpox is a disease that is very contagious and there continue to be outbreaks of the disease in Colorado as well as other states around the country.  Because of continued outbreaks, even in children who have had 1 injection of Varicella vaccine, CDC has now recommended a routine second dose of Varicella vaccine.  Colorado will now be requiring a second dose of Varicella vaccine beginning at kindergarten entry.

Beginning in the new school year (SY 2007-2008), if a child has had chickenpox disease, a laboratory test showing immunity or a documented disease history from a health care provider is acceptable.  CDC has recommended routine vaccination of all children who do not have documented disease history by a medical provider or a laboratory test documenting immunity.  In Colorado children will need to have the appropriate documentation or two doses of Varicella vaccine at kindergarten entry.

Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap)

Pertussis or whooping cough can be a very serious disease in infants and small children.  It has been found that frequently, siblings who have Pertussis disease can expose other children in the household.  Colorado ranks 5th of all states in the country with the disease.  CDC recommends all 11 - 12 year adolescents receive a dose of Tdap routinely.  In Colorado, Tdap vaccine will be required for all 6th and 10th graders this upcoming school year (SY 2007-2008) and in subsequent years that schedule will incorporate other grades.