Tribune staff reports

The end of August is just around the corner and that means back to school.

Along with the purchase of pencils, folders and new gym shoes, immunization shots are required for some children.

On top of the usual shots, there are new immunization requirements for the 2004-2005 school year.

Varicella, better known as chicken pox, and MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) are requirements for children entering kindergarten. Seventh-graders are also required to have a varicella shot.

There is no longer a shortage of Td (tetanus/diptheria) vaccine and students entering seventh- through 12th-grade must be current with their Td immunization shots.

Parents who conscientiously oppose immunizations or whose children have a medical reason for not receiving a shot may file a legal exemption to these requirements.

The Freeborn County Public Health Department is offering clinics on the second and fourth Thursday of August by appointment. Public Health provides back-to-school shots for children ages 0 to 18 whose insurance does not cover immunizations.

&uot;We always have students who come to school on the first day without their immunizations,&uot; said Carol Bosma, school nurse for Albert Lea area schools. &uot;Then we have to send them home from school, it’s a state law.&uot;

It is important to take care of immunizations as soon as possible, appointments at private and public clinics fill up quickly, said Bosma

&uot;Between myself, Ann Cavanaugh, school nurse for Albert Lea area schools, Public Health, and the Albert Lea Medical Center, we all work well together to get kids immunized and protected,&uot; said Bosma.