• All 7th grade students must show proof of both a second dose of measles/mumps/rubella (given at least one month after the first dose) and a tetanus/diphtheria booster given at or after 11 years of age (unless one was given at age 7-10, in which case a booster will be required at the usual 10 year interval). Starting the fall of 2009, two doses of varicella vaccine will also be required.

• All Kindergarten students must show proof of all immunizations and preschool screening to enter kindergarten. Starting the fall of 2009, two doses of varicella vaccine are required to attend school.

• No student will be allowed to start school in the fall without documentation signed by the physician or parent/guardian giving the month/ day /year of the vaccinations.

• We encourage you to make an appointment now and turn in the dates to your school when the vaccinations have been completed.

• A physical exam before 7th grade is highly recommended, but not required.

• Immunizations can be received from your personal physician or the Hennepin County Community Health Department. For information and dates of immunization clinics, call 612-348-2884.

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH INFORMATION ON CHICKEN POX: The MN Department of Health has new recommendations regarding varicella (chickenpox) vaccine and documentation of having been infected with chickenpox starting in fall of 2010. This affects students entering kindergarten, seventh grade and students transferring to a new school. On September 1, 2010, Minnesota schools and childcare centers can no longer accept a parent/guardian’s signature as proof that a child has had chicken pox. Instead, a health care provider (doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) will need to sign a form saying that the child does not need to get varicella shot(s) because they are already immune, have a medical reason for not getting the shot, have a lab testshowing that they are already immune or the parent/guardian are conscientiously opposed to immunization and receive an exemption. A flyer will be going home to our kindergarten and 6th grade students regarding this new law. For more information call or visit the website of the MDH Immunization program. 651-201-5503 or 1-800-657-3970m www.health.state.mn.us/immunize