Lori Bouda, Supervisor
The State of Nebraska is requiring all students to have two Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccinations or parent report of having the disease. The new law will be required for the 2011-2012 school year. Please contact your child’s health care provider to find out how to meet this new requirement. The Douglas County Health Department immunization program is a valuable resource to meet the requirement. You can schedule an appointment with the Douglas County Immunization Program by calling 402-444-6163. Douglas County Immunization Program asks parents to provide your child’s current immunization history, when you attend the immunization appointment. The Infinite Campus Parent Portal or your child’s school nurse can assist you in obtaining your student’s immunization history. Chickenpox is a disease caused by infection with the varicella zoster virus, which causes fever and an itchy rash. Complications include bacterial infection of the skin, swelling of the brain, and pneumonia. Adolescents and adults are more at risk for severe disease. Your attention to this matter at this time will assist in protecting your child from Chickenpox and the possible secondary side effects that are possible with the disease. Please refer to the OPS web site, ops.org , and under the parent link click the topic Chickenpox Vaccine . If your child had chickenpox the proof of the disease can be recorded by the parent on the document available on ops.org click on the parent link then click on chicken pox vaccination. Documentation provided by your Health Care Provider or the Douglas County Health Department Immunization Program can be provided to the school nurse at your child’s school. Meeting this requirement at this time will provide the protection of the vaccine immediately and provide the documentation to the school to demonstrate that your child meets the state requirement.
Web Site which provides Nebraska immunization regulations: Nebraska Immunization Regulations Website