SHERPERDSVILLE, Ky. (AP) — School officials around the state are encouraging parents to begin preparing for new immunization requirements for school children.
The law takes effect with the 2018-19 school year and requires all students to receive a Hepatitis A vaccine and students 16 and older to get a meningitis booster. Officials told media that it’s imperative to start preparing now because the Hepatitis A vaccine is given in two doses that are six months apart.
Students should have their first shot by Feb. 1 in order to complete the two-shot Hepatitis A series by the time school starts.
Kentucky’s new immunization guidelines were adopted before the Hepatitis A outbreak began sweeping the country. About 30 patients have been reported in Kentucky, mostly in Louisville.