During the 2008 Regular Session of the Legislature, pieces of legislation were passed that will affect immunization requirements and school entrance requirements. Effective July 1, 2008, Act 152 and Act 342 require that, beginning with the 2009-2010 school year, a student shall provide satisfactory evidence of current immunization against meningococcal disease and any other age appropriate vaccine as a condition of entry into the sixth grade or by any student who is age eleven in any grade. Please read the accompanying letter from the Department of Health and Hospitals for a more in depth explanation of requirements that will be required of all 6th grade students, 11 year olds, and new students 11 years old or older entering the Tangipahoa Parish School System from any other school system.

Additionally, beginning with the 2009-2010 school year, two (2) doses of Varicella vaccine will be required for entry into Pre-K, Kindergarten, daycare and Head Start programs. Prior to school entry, these students must have documented proof of immunizations for two (2) doses of MMR; three (3) HBV; two (2) Varicella; and booster doses of DTaP and Polio vaccines administered on or after their 4th birthday and prior to school entry. Children who are not up-to-date must provide evidence indicating that vaccinations are in progress. Students younger than 11 years old entering the Tangipahoa Parish School System from any other school system must have documented proof of the above immunizations for school entry or provide evidence that these vaccines are in progress.