Abfab10

Hi everyone,

It's is my first post here but I have learnt so much from reading other threads here.
I thought I would take my chances to ask about immunisations.

We are moving to Dallas, Texas in July. The school districts say in addition to what they have already had in the UK, they also need both hepatitis jabs and also chicken pox jab (varicella). The hep jabs are fine, I can get those done for my kids. However, my kids have both had chicken pox.

Will I still need them to have had the jab or show proof they have had chicken pox?

Just wondering if anyone had the same question before and know the answer?

Thanks in advance!
Abbie

kimilseung

I can not say for texas, where I am, the form says

"If the child named on this CIS had chickenpox disease (and not the vaccine) disease history must be verified"

There are several options for verification, including (for some grades) parents stating age and date for the disease.

So you might want to look at the documentation for your school area.

kimilseung

I (think) I have attached the form for you to have a look at, of course this is just so you get an idea of the potential solutions, you need your local documentation.

notonuksoil

In our school district we needed documented evidence from our UK Dr. My eldest daughter had chicken pox when she was 3 and I had pictures but no documented evidence from the GP as she didn't go to the Dr. They gave us the option of having the vaccine or a blood test. I objected to her having the vaccine as she had already had chicken pox so she ended up having a blood test. This was driven by the school not the US Dr, the Dr thought the photos where good enough for him to confirm she had had chicken pox but the school nurse wanted it confirmed at the time she had it.
Every school district seems to have a different policy even in the same state so I'd check what is required specifically where you plan to go.

jackattack

Doctors and schools let you believe no vaccinations = no school, however this is not true.
All states have a medical exemption (where you must get proof from a doctor, for example if you kid is allergic or had a previous reaction etc).
Some states have a religious exemption (but I don't think that Texas is one of those).
And other states (including California, where we live), you can get a philosophical exemption. This means that you don't believe in vaccinations and won't have your kid vaccinated. You typically have to sign a form, often needs to be witnessed, saying this.

You could go route (3) above, even though you have had vaccinations, if the school is being difficult since it will get the school off your back.

You should check the detailed requirements for your specific school. And I have a feeling that these exemptions are definitely available for public schools (the american definition, meaning not private schools if you get my drift) but if you're going to a private school, different rules may apply.

kimilseung

Good point jackattack, I just checked up where I am, and there is a "personal/philosophical" exemption. Which covers everyone for any reason really.

http://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Docu...fExemption.pdf

(Link provided for OP reference, until they find their appropriate docs)

Bob

Why have the hassle though?

Already had chicken pox, so get the titre test done and jobs done.

Would need the vaccination record in the future anyway if you plan on staying.

taradem

My kids were born in the Uk and Canada so no req for Hep B. I had an issue with the school requiring the Hep B but because it is a schedule to get it done (I think 1,2 & 6 months) the school nurse got bored of waiting and so just got me to sign the waiver I wasn't going to bother at all but Bob is right, if you apply for Green cards you have to get them and there isnt really a way around that.
Good luck x

Lbjen

We self-reported initially, but ended up needing the shots for the green cards. The civil surgeon wouldn't sign off on my kids app until she was up to date with both Hep and Varicella.

kins

We just told the doctor that the kids had had chickenpox and she wrote a letter to whom it may concern.

kodokan

My kids had chicken pox pre their move to the US, with no evidence - the school nurse allowed me to sign a waiver no problem, and the Civil Surgeon put VH (varicella history, ie, 'their mum told me') on the form. I'd taken photos with me to the medical and offered to show those, but he looked at me as if I were mad.

slummymummy

The nurse at our kids doctors office just writes Varicella Disease on their vaccination forms. It seems to never stay on the system though so every time I need the forms for school, they say "oh they have had no varicella shots?" and I say "they have had chickenpox" and they say "oh really?" and I say "yes they used to live in England" and they say "oh ok" and write Varicella Disease on the forms. Job done.

As for Hep A it's not compulsary here, only "recommended". So my kids had only Hep B.

penguinsix

HepA is only required in about 13 states, but the most common vaccine course, Twinrix, gives protection for both A and B so if you are getting that series it isn't any additional shots just additional protection.