In an attempt better prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases, the Pennsylvania Department of Health recently announced changes to its rules for school districts.

The new rules, which will go into effect in August, state that students must have all required vaccinations done and documented to the school within five days of the first day of classes.

Parents were previously given up to eight months to get their children vaccinated.

Students who are not vaccinated in time, must provide a note from a doctor outlining when they will get vaccinated. Families may also apply to the state for a religious or philosophical exemption to the requirements.

The state requires all students be vaccinated against: tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B and chickenpox. There is also a requirement that all students get a dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis and meningococcal conjugate vaccinations before starting seventh grade and also a dose of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine before starting 12th grade.

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