Before a child begins school, he or she needs to have a record signed and dated by a physician, stating that the child has received these immunizations:

• Four doses of tetanus and diphtheria, one dose on or after fourth birthday

• Three doses of hepatitis B

• One dose each of measles, mumps and rubella given after first birthday; and a second dose of measles vaccine prior to school

• Three doses of polio vaccine

• One dose of varicella vaccine or a history of chicken pox

Exemptions from these shots are granted only for medical reasons, religious beliefs or a strong personal conviction opposing immunization.

These immunizations should begin at birth with a hepatitis B vaccination.

Childhood schedule (not all are school requirements but should have for attendance in child care facilities):

• When the baby is 2 months old, he or she should receive a DTP (combined diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) vaccination, as well as vaccinations against polio, haemophilus influenza B and hepatitis B.

• At 4 months old, the baby is due for another round of vaccinations: DTP, polio and HIB. At 6 months, the baby needs to receive another set of the DTP, polio, HIB and hepatitis B vaccinations. The final round of these immunizations occurs when the baby is between 12 and 16 months old and includes varicella, DTP, HIB and MMR (measles, mumps and rubella).

Children should receive a Td (tetanus and diphtheria) vaccination every 10 years starting at age 10. In addition, one dose of meningococcal vaccine is required for all college students who live in dorms; or the student must sign a waiver (if student is a minor, a parent may sign).

Call 800-692-7254 to locate the state health clinic nearest you, where the immunizations are given for free. Source: Pennsylvania Department of Health