New immunizations rules may send your kid home

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - New immunization rules are threatening to send thousands of Indiana students home until they get their shot. State law allows students who aren't immunized to attend school for a 20 day "grace period," before being sent home.

The state requires students in grades 6-12 to get a tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis booster shot and the meningococcal vaccine. Kindergartners and students in grades 6-12 must have two doses of the chickenpox vaccine as well.

One illness, pediatric infectious disease specialist, Dr. Christopher Belcher is seeing in the hospital is whooping cough. He's seen 15 to 20 cases this year and says some of the blame is on parents who avoid getting their children vaccinated for fear of autism.

Dr. Belcher says studies show there is no correlation.

The first stage of whooping cough or pertussis is a cold, which can turn into a very intense cough.

New cases are being reported throughout the state. Last year, the state health officials recorded 400 cases of whooping cough.

The Indianapolis Immunization Coalition and the Marion County Health Department have announced three September Back to School Immunization Clinics.

The first two clinics will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, September 11. The two locations are John Marshall Community High School, and Northwest High School.

The Coalition’s third free clinic will be held at the Perry Township Education Center Building Gymnasium from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, September 18.

Keep in mind, all clinics will serve individuals on a first come, first serve basis.

Attendees should bring the most current shot records for their children.