New Castle Community Schools

**IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS**

If your child is enrolled in kindergarten or Grades 6-12, there are new immunization (vaccinations/shots) requirements for this school year (2010-2011).

1.        What new immunizations are required?

Kindergarten:

·         Two varicella (chickenpox) vaccinations (not needed if child has documentation of having had chicken pox disease)

             Entering Grades 6-12:

·         Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis vaccine. (Also called Tdap.)

·         Menigococcal conjugate vaccine. (Also called MCV4 – Menactra.)

·         Two varicella (chickenpox) vaccinations (not needed if child has documentation of having had chicken pox disease).

               These shots are in addition to those previously required.

2.        What happens if my child does not have the required shots by the time school starts?

If your child is not exempted from getting the shots, your child may attend school for 20 days to allow you time to get the necessary shots.  (September 20, 2010is New Castle’s 20^th day of school). The law says the school cannot allow your child to attend school for more than 20 days without the shots, unless the child is exempted for religious or medical reasons – or if a doctor has provided documentation that your child is schedule to be vaccinated. (See below for more information on exemptions.)If, after September 20, 2010 – your child has not yet received his/her vaccinations – parents must provide written documentation from a doctor – or the health department – that your child is scheduled to be vaccinated (has an appointment) – or provide documentation that your child is exempt due to religious or medical reasons.

3.        What should I do if my child has some of the shots, but not all of them?

If your child is schedule to obtain the shots; a doctor can provide a statement with a schedule showing when the child will get the remaining shots. You need to provide the doctor’s statement to the school. Your child may continue to attend school while getting the shots.

4.        What should I do if I have religious objections to my child receiving the shots?

You must provide the school a signed, written statement expressing that you object to the required vaccinations based on religious grounds. If you provide this statement to the school, your child may continue to attend school and will be excused from obtaining the required shots.

5.        What if the doctor says my child should not have the shot(s)?

If your child’s doctor says one or more of the required vaccinations could be harmful to your child, the doctor needs to provide a signed, written statement that you must take to your child’s school. Your child may continue to attend school and will be excused from obtaining the required shots.

        6.    What if I can’t afford the shots or I don’t have a doctor?

                Contact your local health department and your school nurse for information on where your child

                can get the required shot(s) at little or not cost.

        7.   Where can I get more information?

Your school nurse has information on these requirements. Information is also available from the Indiana State Department of Health (1-800-701-0704 or chirp.in.gov/chirp_files/chirp_docs.htm).

8.  Opportunity for students in grades 7-12 !!!!!

New Castle Community School Corporation is working closely with Henry County Health Department.

Attached to this letter is notification of an ‘in house’ clinic. This means, with your written permission, students in grades 7-12 may get his/her shots at school on Friday September 17, 2010.  The Henry County Health Department will host a clinic at the High School/Middle School Secondary Complex from 8:00am – 3:00pm on Friday September 17^th.  Students in grades 7-12 may get their shots that day only if they have signed parent permission. Parents who wish to give permission should read and sign the attached parent permission form-- and return the form to school --along with a copy of your child’s immunization records.

There is a cost of $1.00 per vaccine – with no more than $3.00 per child.

If you have questions, please call your child’s school building to speak with the principal or school nurse.

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