The State of Connecticut has recently updated the state vaccine requirements, and effective August 1, 2011, all 7th grade students must show proof of having received one dose each of the Meningococcal Vaccine and the Tdap Vaccine, and two doses of the Varicella (Chicken Pox) Vaccine.
Menactra is the brand name of the meningococcal vaccine that protects against infection with the bacteria Meningococcus. Infections from this bacteria cause septic shock and meningitis. Currently, the Center for Disease control recommends that all children 11-12 years of age be routinely vaccinated with a dose of meningococcal vaccine.
Adacel is the brand name of the Tdap Vaccine that is a booster against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. The recommended age to receive this vaccine is 11-12 years. If a child has documentation that he or she has received any tetanus containing vaccine, such as Td, within the last five years they do not necessarily need to have the Tdap vaccine for 7th grade.
The Menactra and Adacel vaccine can be given at the same time. Most children are receiving these vaccines at their 11 and or 12 year check-up. The State of Connecticut school/medical form you receive at your child’s checkup will include the dates of the Menactra and Tdap vaccine if your child received them.
The Varicella vaccine is routinely given at the one year and five year checkup, so if your child has been on a routine checkup and vaccine schedule he or she would have met the requirements for this vaccine.
If you would like more information, you can access the Connecticut Immunization Program’s web page at: www.ct.gov/dph/immunizations. The regulations can be found under Immunization Laws and regulations.
Please do not hesitate to ask us if you have any questions.