2 doses required for students in grades 7 – 12
Protecting teens against chickenpox is important.
The new vaccine requirement will start in fall 2015 for students in 7th and 8th grades. They will need two doses of the vaccine. In fall 2016 all students in 9th through 12th grade will also be required to have two doses of the vaccine. Students who already had two doses of the vaccine do not need to repeat it.The vaccine prevents chickenpox and its serious complications. Teens are at higher risk of severe complications if they get chickenpox. The new requirement helps protect these young people.Washington State has required only students in kindergarten through
6th grade to have two doses of chickenpox vaccine, until now. The new requirement is based on
national recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
The new vaccine requirement will start in fall 2015 for students in 7th and 8th grades. They will need two doses of the vaccine. In fall 2016 all students in 9th through 12th grade will also be required to have two doses of the vaccine. Students who already had two doses of the vaccine do not need to repeat it.The vaccine prevents chickenpox and its serious complications. Teens are at higher risk of severe complications if they get chickenpox. The new requirement helps protect these young people.Washington State has required only students in kindergarten through
6th grade to have two doses of chickenpox vaccine, until now. The new requirement is based on
national recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Where Can I Learn More? Talk to your school nurse, healthcare provider, or visit the Department of Health online.