IMMUNIZATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

Keeping track of what immunizations are required is no easy task, as school nurses will attest.

Below is a summary of requirements for students to attend public schools in Missouri.

Measles, two doses on or after the first birthday, separated by at least 30 days for students in kindergarten and first-grade. One dose on or after the first birthday for students in grades 2-12.

Ruebella, on or after first birthday.

Polio, requires at least 3 doses, the third dose must have been given on or after the third birthday. If not an additional dose must be given.

Diphtheria, at least three doses plus a 10 year booster. The third, fourth or fifth dose must have been given on or after the third birthday. If not an additional dose must be given. An additional dose is required 10 years after last dose.

"We have a 30-day grace period for school attendance," Chong said.

Parents may sign a philosophical exemption, which means they object to having their children immunized.

Immunization requirements are changing for the 1993-94 school year.

The grace period will change to 15 school days and the philosophical exemption will be eliminated.

Parents may still obtain a religious or medical exemption.

And the mumps immunization will be added to the required series.