On Dec. 20, 2016, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education revised the Maine School Immunization Requirements rule.

The following changes have gone into effect.

1. The exclusion period for varicella disease (chicken pox) has increased from 16 to 21 days. If a child has not provided proof of immunization or a history of disease, that child will be unable to attend school, or any school-related activity, for 21 days after the last case of chicken pox has occurred.
2. Effective for the 2017-2018 school year, all students entering, advancing, or transferring into 7th grade will need to receive one dose of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine before attendance is allowed. This requirement applies only to 7th grade students.

Please contact your local school for more information. For further questions, please contact the Maine Immunization Program at (207) 287-3746 or (800) 867-4775, or email ImmunizeME.DHHS@maine.gov.