New York kids need to be fully vaccinated before school starts

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Starting Sept. 1, all upcoming kindergarten children in New York must get completely vaccinated under the state's new health regulations.

According to the new regulations of New York's Health Department, all children who will be entering kindergarten must get two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines before attending classes this fall.

In the immunization requirement chart published by the NY Health Department, school children entering kindergarten to grade five are required to get five vaccination doses against diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP). Kindergartners and grade one, six and seven pupils must get four polio vaccine doses. All children, who have not gotten the vaccinations listed by the department, must do so in order to remain in their classes.

Parents must also show proof of their child's updated immunizations list or present an appointment schedule of when their kids will be getting their shots.

"These revisions are based on the most current science and will give our children the best protection we can provide from devastating diseases," said Dr. Howard Zucker, the NY State Health Commissioner, via the department's press release. "With these up to date school immunization requirements in place, New York will be aligned with federal standards on childhood vaccines."

The revised policy reflects the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, an advisory panel to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The education department of the state showed their full support as well.

"The health and safety of our students is our top priority and we will offer support to families and principals to ensure all health requirements are met," said Jason Fink, spokesman for the department, via the New York Daily News.

According to the report by Syracuse.com, previous regulations have allowed some children to start school without getting vaccinated against highly transmissible diseases such as measles and mumps because parents can hold off giving shots until the age of six.

The major revisions by the state also had the approval of some health experts.

"I'm thrilled the New York state department of health came out with these changes," Dr. Jana Shaw of Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital told the outlet.  "Requiring children to be vaccinated when they go to kindergarten when the risk of transmission is higher makes sense. It will make it easier for school nurses to adhere to the recommendations and enable them to enforce the immunization mandate."