Changes to Minnesota's immunization law will take effect Sept. 1. The changes were announced last fall by the Minnesota Department of Health and affect children enrolled in public and private schools, child care and early childhood programs.
The following are the new vaccinations required as part of the changes to the law:
• All children over 2 months old - Hepatitis B.
• Children over 12 months old in early childhood programs or child care - Hepatitis A.
• Students entering seventh grade - Tdap, which replaces the Td immunization and meningitis (meningococcal). Students entering eighth through 12th grade must show documentation if a school requests it.
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Parents should check their children's vaccination records to be sure they meet the new requirements.
For Crow Wing County residents on Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare, vaccinations may be covered free of charge for people 20 years old or younger through the Child and Teen Checkups program. The program also covers sports physicals for qualifying youth. Students in seventh through 12th grade who intend to participate in high school athletics or cheerleading are required to have a physical examination performed within the previous three years to participate.
The Child and Teen Checkups program is federally required by the Social Security Act and is administered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services and Crow Wing County.
Appointments can be scheduled by contacting participating providers and asking for a Child and Teen Checkup, to ensure the visit is billed properly. More information along with a current list of participating medical, dental and eye clinics located in Crow Wing County can be found at www.ChildAndTeenCheckups.com .
