New Meningococcal vaccination requirements from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment: 

Information for parents/guardians of incoming 7th and 11th grade students –

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Immunization Program has implemented a new vaccine requirement for students entering 7th grade and 11th grade in the 2019-20 school year. KDHE now requires two doses of the Meningococcal vaccine to be administered to maintain vaccine compliance.

• Meningococcal (Serogroup A,C,W,Y): Two doses required. Doses should be given at entry to 7th grade (11-12 years) and 11th grade (16-18 years). For children 16-18 years, only one dose is required. (Provisional based on expected revision to K.A.R. 28-1-20 prior to school year)

Detailed immunization requirements by age group are listed on the 02/2016 version of the Kansas Certificate of Immunization (KCI).

Students who have begun, but have not completed the required immunizations, may enroll and remain in school while completing the required immunizations as quickly as permitted by immunization requirements, if a physician or local health department certifies that the student has received the most recent appropriate immunizations in all required series. Kansas law provides the following alternatives to immunizations:

• An annual written statement signed by a licensed physician stating the physical condition of the child to be such that the tests or inoculations would seriously endanger the life or health of the child; or
• A written statement signed by one parent or guardian that the child is an adherent of a religious denomination whose religious teachings are opposed to such inoculations.

All immunization decisions should be made by the family physician or the Johnson County Health Department. If your child has transferred to Blue Valley, you are responsible for providing records that document the immunizations either have been completed or are in the process of completion. If a student’s immunizations are not current (most recent appropriate inoculation in all series) or current immunization waivers, specifically religious or medical waivers, are not in place; the student will be excluded from school.

Student health requirements are important as we partner with families to create a safe and effective learning environment. All health forms must be completed and returned to the school nurse prior to the first day of school. Your school nurse will be glad to answer any questions.

Tara Asher MSN, RN
Blue Valley Schools District Nurse Coordinator