What immunizations are required for students by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health?

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires that all immunizations meet the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Minimal Immunization Requirements before attendance is permitted in schools in Massachusetts. New requirements for all grade-nine students include completion of hepatitis B series (3 doses); varicella (chicken pox — number of immunizations is age dependent); and a tetanus-diphtheria (Td) booster if less than five years has passed since the child’s last booster. The same recommendations are suggested for grades 10 through 12. Any student entering high school must have at least two measles immunizations on their immunization record. The only exception is a physician-documented incidence of measles. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) combination vaccine is preferred in order to maximize protection against all three diseases. A current tetanus or tetanus-diphtheria (Td) is required every 10 years. This immunization protects against tetanus (lockjaw). The current ...