Morton CUSD 709
Immunization Information

We are required to review the health records of all students enrolled.  Each child must be protected against preventable childhood diseases with immunizations according to State of Illinois School Regulations.  The specific date of all immunizations must be recorded on the child's exam record. Parents have the right to refuse immunizations for their children in writing for religious reasons.  Physician's signature is required for medical exemption.

The Blood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act (Public Act #87-1144) requires physicians to screen children, ages 6 months to 6 years of age, for lead poisoning.  Effective January 1, 1993, programs operated by a public school district, shall include a requirement that each parent or legal guardian of a child between the age of 6 months through 6 years provide a statement from a physician or health care provider that the child has been screened for lead poisoning.

Students entering kindergarten, fifth and ninth grades are required to complete physical examinations within one year prior to the beginning of the school year.

Early Childhood

The State of Illinois Department of Health requires that all children entering a school program below the kindergarten level must show proof of having received three (3) doses of Hepatitis B vaccination and HIB vaccination(s) and proof of immunity to varicella (chickenpox) must also be provided.

The State of Illinois Department of Health requires that all children age 59 months and under entering a school program below the kindergarten level must show proof of having received one (1) or more doses of Hib vaccination with the last dose administered on or after 15 months of age.

Kindergarten or First Grade

Any child 5 years of age or younger entering school for the first time must show proof of having received four (4) or more doses of Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus (DPT) with the last dose being a booster and having been received on or after the 4th birthday, but prior to school entrance; or within one year prior to school entrance.  Individual doses in the series must have been received no less than four weeks apart.  Proof of immunity to varicella (chickenpox) must also be provided.

Any child 6 years of age or older must show proof of receiving three (3) or more doses of DPT or Tetanus, Diphtheria (Td) with the last dose being a booster and having been received on or after the 4th birthday.  Individual doses in the series must have been received no less than four weeks apart.

1.   Diphtheria-Pertussis-Tetanus

2.   Oral Polio (3 or more - last booster within last year, and after 4th birthday)

3.   Rubella (also called 3-day or German Measles) 12 months or has evidence of immunity.

4.   Rubeola (also called "Hard" or "Long" Measles) two doses, 12 months or had disease.

Fifth Grade Requirements

1.       A medical examination only, if your child is up-to-date on required immunizations listed above; also must provide acceptable documentation of two (2) doses of live measles virus vaccine, with the first dose administered not earlier than 12 months of age and the second dose no less than one month after the first.

2.       The State of Illinois Department of Health requires that students entering fifth grade receive a series of three (3) vaccinations for Hepatitis B.

Sixth/Seventh/Eighth Grade Requirements

1.       The State of Illinois Department of Health requires that students entering sixth, seventh, eighth grade receive a series of three (3) vaccinations for Hepatitis B.

Ninth Grade Requirements

1.      A medical examination; also must provide acceptable documentation of two (2) doses of live measles virus vaccine, with the first dose administered not earlier than 12 months of age and the second dose no less than one month after the first.

2.      Diphtheria-Tetanus Boosters.

3.      The State of Illinois Department of Health requires that students entering ninth grade receive a series of three (3)  vaccinations for Hepatitis B.

The State of Illinois is requiring that every student regardless of grade level must show proof of immunity against mumps as a condition for entering school beginning with the 1987-88 school term.  Proof of immunization with mumps vaccine at 12 months age or older or statement from a physician confirming mumps disease history.

Your private physician will be able to provide immunizations, or they may be received from the Tazewell County Health Department. Please see the Tazewell County Health Department Immunization Clinic Schedule for dates in Morton, Tremont and other areas within the county.

If the required immunizations are not met, or if necessary dates and certification are not provided, your child will have to be excluded from school in compliance with State Law October 15th.

Your compliance will assist the schools in cooperation with the State Health Department in complying with State Law designed to enhance the well-being and health of all school children as well as your own.