The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) announces a new immunization requirement for children entering Mississippi schools in the upcoming school year for the first time. Two doses of the varicella vaccine (chickenpox vaccine) will now be required for all children entering pre-kindergarten through 12^th grade in the state. Exceptions will be allowed for a history of chickenpox or serological confirmation (blood test) of immunity to varicella.

This requirement was waived last year due to delays in vaccine availability. The second dose of varicella vaccine is recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and must be met in order for a child to enroll in any public or private school in the state.

Students entering school for the first time will also need to obtain a certified copy of their birth certificate. Applications for birth certificate copies are available at all county health departments or by calling 601-576-7981.

All required vaccines are available at health department clinics throughout the state and through all Vaccines for Children (VFC) providers for a $10 administrative fee per vaccine.