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New chickenpox vaccine requirement in Washington schools next year
Q13 News This Morning
OLYMPIA, Wash. -- The Washington State Department of Health announced a new requirement for all public and private high school students starting in the fall of 2016.
Students will be required to have two doses of the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine before starting the 2016-17 school year.
Health officials are encouraging parents to get their teens vaccinated sooner than later, to avoid a last minute rush before the start of school.
“Chickenpox is a preventable disease that can be particularly dangerous for kids with weakened immune systems. If all students are up-to-date with two doses of the chickenpox vaccine, they can start the school year protected,” said State Health Officer Dr. Kathy Lofy.
Students are not required to get the vaccinations if they already had two doses of the vaccine, have had chickenpox in the past, or have had a blood test showing they are immune.
If a student needs two doses of the chickenpox vaccine, they need to wait one month between each dose.
Chickenpox is transmitted through the air by coughing and sneezing or by touching chickenpox blisters.
Doctors say it is a very contagious disease that spreads quickly and causes an itchy rash, fever, and sometimes serious illness. People infected with chickenpox are at risk for developing shingles, a painful skin rash, later in life.