Immunizations

All students registering in Michigan schools for the first time must have proof of immunization against the normal childhood diseases and a birth certificate.

New federal regulations may mean that Michigan public health departments may not be able to give immunizations to children whose parent or guardian has health insurance to cover immunizations. These immunizations should be obtained from the family's doctor. Some health departments may be able to bill an insurance company so the parent/guardian should call the local health department before going there to get immunizations.

Health Department Information
 
Berrien County Health Department
769 Pipestone
49022, Niles, MI
269-926-7121
 
Berrien County Health Department
1205 North Front St.
Benton Harbor, MI
269-684-2800

Van Buren Health Department
Co. Rd. 681
Hartford, MI
269-621-3143
 
Van Buren Health Department
970 Bailey
South Haven, MI
269-621-3142

Required Immunizations
According to the Michigan Department of Education, the following immunizations are required for students in Michigan public schools.
 
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis

Children age 4-6 must have received 4 doses of pertussis. DT is only accepted if a signed waiver is on file for that particular dose of pertussis vaccine.

Ages 4-6: 4 doses are required. If a dose was not given on or after the 4th birthday, a booster dose of DTP us required. Most children will have 5 doses.

Ages 7-18: 4 doses are required. If a dose was not given in the last 10 years, a booster dose of Td is required.
Polio

Ages 4-6: 3 doses are required. If the last dose was not given on or after the 4th birthday, a booster dose is required. Most children will have 4 doses.

Ages 7-18: 3 doses are required.
 
Measles, Mumps and Rubella

Ages 4-18: 2 doses are required. The 1st dose must be given on or after the 1st birthday. The 2nd dose must be given at least 28 days fron the 1st dose.
 
Hepatitis B

Mandatory for students transferring from another district.

Ages 4-18: Effective January 1, 2000, 3 doses are required.
 
Varicella (Chicken Pox)

Reliable history of chickenpox disease is acceptable in lieu of the vaccine.

Ages 4-6: Effective January 1, 2002, 1 dose required on or after 1st birthday.

Ages 7-18: Effective January 1, 2002, only 1 dose required if received on or after 1st birthday but prior to the 13th birthday OR 2 doses required, administered at least 28 days apart, if the child received the 1st dose on or after the 13th birthday.