![]() 3 Some states allow local school boards to set requirements for some vaccines, although the majority set requirements at the state level. School Immunization RequirementsĮach of the 50 states and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have requirements for proof of immunization for attendees of child care centers and public schools, and nearly all have laws covering private schools as well. 2 Certain highly contagious diseases, such as pertussis and measles, require a population immunization rate of ≥95% to achieve community immunity. Although there is variance for levels of immunization required to generate community immunity specific to each disease and vaccine, it is generally understood that population immunization rates of at least 90% are required, as reflected in the Healthy People 2020 goals. Community immunity occurs when nearly all individuals for whom vaccine is not contraindicated have been appropriately immunized, minimizing the risk of illness or spread of a vaccine-preventable infectious agent to those who do not have the direct benefit of immunization. These individuals benefit from the effectiveness of immunizations through a mechanism known as community immunity (also known as “herd” immunity). Certain infants, children, and adolescents cannot safely receive specific vaccines because of age or specific health conditions. However, vaccines are not 100% effective in individuals receiving them. The AAP views nonmedical exemptions to school-required immunizations as inappropriate for individual, public health, and ethical reasons and advocates for their elimination. ![]() The AAP also supports medically indicated exemptions to specific immunizations as determined for each individual child. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports regulations and laws requiring certification of immunization to attend child care and school as a sound means of providing a safe environment for attendees and employees of these settings. Although all states and the District of Columbia have mechanisms to exempt school attendees from specific immunization requirements for medical reasons, the majority also have a heterogeneous collection of regulations and laws that allow nonmedical exemptions from childhood immunizations otherwise required for child care and school attendance. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have regulations requiring proof of immunization for child care and school attendance as a public health strategy to protect children in these settings and to secondarily serve as a mechanism to promote timely immunization of children by their caregivers. ![]() They provide direct protection to the immunized individual and indirect protection to children and adults unable to be immunized via the effect of community immunity. Routine childhood immunizations against infectious diseases are an integral part of our public health infrastructure.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |