August 11, 2014 Press release from Crow Wing County www.crowwing.us
Changes to Minnesota’s Immunization Law will take effect September 1, 2014 just in time for the upcoming school year.
The immunization changes were announced last fall by the Minnesota
Department of Health and affect children enrolled in public and private schools, child care and earlychildhood programs.

Crow Wing County’s Department of Community Services reminds parents to check their children’s vaccination records to be sure they meet the new requirements, which includes two booster shots for those entering seventh grade.

For Crow Wing County residents on Medical Assistance or Minnesota Care, vaccinations may be covered free of charge for people 20 years old or younger through the Child and Teen Checkups program.

Child and Teen Checkups promote regular doctor visits, including health screenings, vaccinations and physicals, to assure health problems are diagnosed and treated early, before they become more complex and treatment becomes more costly.

"Keeping your children up-to-date on their vaccinations is so important, I can’t stress it enough," said Stephanie Kubas, Crow Wing County public health nurse. "Not only can it save families time and money in the long run, vaccinations save lives."

For a complete list of requirements, visit
www.health.state.mn.us/immunize

The following are the new vaccinations that are required effective Sept. 1 to meet
the new immunization laws:

• Tdap-For all students entering seventh grade. Students in eighth through 12th grade must show documentation if the school requests it. This replaces the Td immunization requirement.
• Meningitis (meningococcal) -For all students entering seventh grade. Students entering eighth through 12th grade must show documentation if the school requests it.
• Hepatitis A-For all children over 12 months who are enrolled in early childhood
  programs or child care.
• Hepatitis B For all children over 2 months old.

The Child and Teen Checkups program also covers sports physicals for qualifying youths.

Students in seventh through 12th grade who intend to participate in high school athletics or cheerleading are required to have a physical examination performed within the previous three years in order to participate.

Appointments can be scheduled by contacting participating providers and asking for a Child and Teen Checkup to ensure the visit is billed properly. More information, along with a current list of participating medical, dental and eye clinics located in Crow Wing County can be found at
www.ChildAndTeenCheckups.com

The Child and Teen Checkups program is federally required by the Social Security Act and is administered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services and Crow Wing County.

Crow Wing County’s Department of Community Services administers more than seventy federal and state benefit and assistance services and programs totaling more than $130 million dollars annually. The Department is dedicated to providing excellent customer service and efficient management in performing its missionof promoting and protecting the health, well-being and self-sufficiency of all Crow Wing County residents