Students Need to Be Immunized
Children entering school next month for the first time are required by law to have up-to-date immunization records, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.
Children are required to have at least four DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis or whooping cough) shots, three doses of oral polio vaccine and one combined shot of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. Children entering school for the first time also are required to have a Mantoux skin test to determine exposure to tuberculosis. First-graders must have a physical exam.
Health authorities recommend a second combined shot of MMR for children between 4 and 6 years old and strongly recommend at least one dose of Hib meningitis vaccine for 2- to 4-year-olds entering child care centers and family day-care homes.
Immunizations and tuberculosis skin tests are given free at all county-operated health centers. Parents should contact their physician or local county health center for information.
Locations and clinic hours: (800) 427-8700.
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