Painful as it may be, all school-age children must be up to date on all of their immunizations in order to enroll in Las Vegas area schools. Kindergartners need five DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus) vaccinations, four Polio vaccinations, and two MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccinations. For students new to Nevada schools (whether entering school for the first time, or transferring from another state), the requirements are:
- 2 Hepatitis A (2nd dose must be given at least 6 months after the 1st dose)
- 3 Hepatitis B (must have a minimum of 4 month between 1st and 3rd dose)
- Chickenpox [Varicella] (2nd shot only required if 1st shot given after the age of 13 years. Minimum of 2 months spacing between shots required.)
The Health Department also offers Hepatitis a and Chicken Pox vaccinations for a $15 administration fee. Parents of all school age children can take advantage of these two opportunities anytime, not just during the back-to-school rush. Matriculating college freshmen also need to make sure to get Tetanus and MMR boosters.
