State delays vaccination policy change

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The Indiana State Department of Health is delaying a change in its childhood vaccination policy until January 1, 2012.

For mom Elizabeth Price, getting her daughter Raven immunized for kindergarten was the first stop on her back-to-school checklist. Raven, brother William, and little sister Cora waited patiently at the Tippecanoe County Health Department Thursday morning.

"It's easier than trying to drag them into the doctor's office," said Price.

Registered Nurse and Supervisor Donella Carter said many parents walk in to the health department instead of their pediatrician's office for free school vaccinations. The health department asks for just a $5 donation for shots, whether you have insurance or not.

"They may have a $20 to $30 co-pay when they go to the doctor, and all we ask for is the $5 donation," said Carter.

That's going to change next year.

"It looks like as of January first, we're not going to be able to do that. However, right now, we can see these kids that do have insurance," said Carter.

The new policy was originally supposed to take effect July 1, 2011.

After last year, when a number of students all across the state were sent home from school for not having the proper vaccinations or a waiver proving their parents had reason for them not to, it was decided by the state health department, parents needed more time.

"Last year was a nightmare," recalled Carter.

Come this time next year, unless something changes, the health department will only be offering the free shots to the uninsured. For now, parents like Elizabeth can breathe a little easier. They can continue to save time and money by getting their child's shots at their county health department.

The Tippecanoe County Health Department is offering two "Back-to-School" vaccination clinics.

- August 10: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- August 17: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Clinics will be held at the Tippecanoe County Health Department located at 629 North 6th Street, Suite A in Lafayette, Indiana 47901.

Parents need to bring their child's immunization records and need to be present with their child. A $5 donation is requested. If you have questions or would like more information, you can call the Tippecanoe County Health Department at (765) 423-9222.

2011-2012 School Requirements (unless a waiver is obtained) are as follows:

Kindergarten:
- 2 Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- 2 MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)
- 3 Hepatitis B
- 5 DTaP
- 4 Polio

Grades 6-12:
- Tdap
- Meningitis
- Any missed Kindergarten doses

Optional:
- Hep A
- HPV (male and female)

Additional information is posted on the Tippecanoe Health Department website .

More information on the requirements for school vaccinations is posted on the Indiana State Department of Health's (ISDH) website .

The ISDH said if you object to getting your child immunized, you must provide a signed written objection to the school, stating that you have a religious objection to immunization. That objection must be renewed every year.