Hepatitis A among new immunization requirements for students

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – Students heading back to school in Kentucky will need to be up to date on their vaccinations and, starting this year, that includes Hepatitis A and Meningococcal vaccines.

Effective July 1, 2018, all school-aged children in kindergarten through 12th grade must show proof of having received two doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine to attend school.

A minimum interval of six months between the first and second doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine is required.

Students aged 16 years or older must also show proof of having received two doses of Meningococcal ACWY vaccine (MenACWY).

Any child with a medical condition who is unable to receive the vaccines will be issued a medical exemption certificate by their healthcare provider.

If a parent chooses not to immunize a child based on religious objections, the parent must complete a sworn and notarized Commonwealth of Kentucky Parent or Guardian’s Declination on Religious Grounds to Required Immunizations.

For more information, go to the Kentucky Immunization Program.