Vaccine Requirement Update From Massachusetts Department Of Elementary & Secondary Education In Norton

Press release from the Norton Public Schools:

January 4, 2021

Beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, the influenza vaccine will be required for all students. Students must receive the influenza vaccine for the current season (i.e., school year 2020-2021) by February 28, 2021 . This is an extension from the original 12/31/20 deadline. New students entering school before March 31, 2021 must have received a dose of vaccine for the current flu season for entry. Influenza vaccine is always important to receive to reduce the risk of getting sick with influenza, reduce the severity of disease if one does get sick (including the risk of hospitalization) due to influenza, as well as preventing the spread of influenza to others.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza vaccine will be especially critical to reduce the overall impact of respiratory illness on the population, protect vulnerable populations from severe illness, and decrease the overall burden on the healthcare system.

Which students need to receive the influenza vaccine?

Students in Kindergarten – Grade 12 will be required to receive influenza vaccine for the current influenza season for school attendance unless they have a medical or religious exemption.

When do students need to receive the influenza vaccine?

Students must receive influenza vaccine for the current season (i.e., school year 2020-2021) by February 28, 2021. New students entering school before March 31, 2021 must have received a dose of vaccine for the current flu season for entry.

Are there any exemptions to receiving the influenza vaccine?

Medical and religious exemptions are allowable in the state of Massachusetts. Medical exemptions must be renewed annually and include a statement form a physician stating that the vaccine is medically contraindicated for the student.

What type of influenza vaccine can students receive?

Any age-appropriate licensed influenza vaccine for the current season fulfills the requirement. This includes injectable and nasal spray vaccine types.

What about students who enroll later in the spring?

Students enrolling after March 31 are not required to have a dose of influenza vaccine for the current school year.

Will influenza vaccine be required every year or just for the 2020-2021 school year?

Influenza vaccine is now a required vaccine for school attendance and will be required as of December 31 for all students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 each school year. For school year 2020-2021 only, seasonal influenza vaccine must be received by February 28, 2021.

Do younger students require 2 doses according to ACIP guidelines?

Children younger than 9 may need two doses of influenza vaccine depending on the number of influenza vaccines they have received in the past. Children should be vaccinated according to ACIP recommendations, but only one dose of influenza vaccine is required for school attendance.

If my school will be providing instruction remotely, will students still need to meet immunization requirements?

The school immunization requirements, including the requirement for seasonal influenza vaccine, apply to all Massachusetts students enrolled in Kindergarten through Grade 12, regardless of whether the district is providing instruction in-person, or using a hybrid or remote learning model.

Do the flu immunization requirements apply to students that are home schooled?

Immunization requirements, including the flu immunization requirement, do not apply to home schooled students unless the student will ever need to access the school building for sports, after school activities or any other reason.

This press release was produced by the Norton Public Schools. The views expressed are the author's own.