Many districts will be hosting Kindergarten Roundups soon. These events offer a great opportunity to share information about current vaccination requirements with parents. The South Dakota Department of Health offers the following summary of requirements:

• At least 4 doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis containing vaccine, at least 1 dose on or after 4th birthday. Children who are 7 years of age or older should receive adult-type-Td vaccine.
• Three or more doses of poliovirus vaccine, at least 1 dose on or after age 4; or 4 or more doses of any combination of OPV/IPV given by 4 years of age.
• At least 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine separated by at least 28 days, on or after 1st birthday. Second dose usually given as a measles/mumps/rubella vaccination. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Haemophilus Influenzae B are recommended at this time, but not required.
• At least 2 doses of a rubella-containing vaccine, separated by at least 28 days, on or after 1st birthday.
• At least 2 doses of a mumps-containing vaccine, separated by at least 28 days, on or after 1st birthday.
• Additional immunization requirement for kindergarten entry only (including students repeating kindergarten): Effective August 2007, two doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine administered after the age of 12 months, or history of disease. Parental history is acceptable, and physician documentation is not necessary.

For more information, contact the Department of Health’s immunization program at 1-800-592-1861.