OLR Report 2012-R-0435 provides information on state immunization requirements for children attending preschool.
Department of Public Health (DPH) regulations require children to be immunized against certain diseases and conditions in order to attend a child day care center, group day care home, or a public or nonpublic school. Under state law, each local or regional board of education, or similar body governing a nonpublic school, must require each child to be protected by adequate immunization against the following:
- diphtheria;
- pertussis (whooping cough);
- tetanus;
- poliomyelitis (polio);
- measles, mumps, and rubella (often called “MMR”);
- hemophilus influenza type B (a bacterial illness that can cause meningitis and other diseases in young children); and
- any other illness required by DPH regulations (CGS § 10-204a).
In 2011, DPH amended its regulations to require immunization against influenza. Specifically, starting August 2011, each child enrolled in preschool between ages two and five must receive an annual influenza vaccine between August 1 and December 1. Children receiving the vaccine for the first time must be given a second dose at least 28 days after the first dose (Conn. Agencies Reg. § 10-204a-2a(k)).
For further information, read the full report.
