WASILLA — To help elementary students meet the requirement of two Varicella vaccinations before school starts in August, nurses from the Mat-Su Public Health Center are holding vaccination clinics at local schools.

The new statewide immunization standard takes effect July 1. Each student entering kindergarten through sixth grade must have at least one immunization for the disease known as chicken pox before the 2009-2010 school year begins. A second vaccination must be received within four months of receiving the first, and documentation must be presented to the school.

According to the Mat-Su Borough School District press release, the vaccination requirements have changed due to the sometimes serious complications of the common disease. Varicella can lead to severe skin rashes, scars, pneumonia, brain damage and death. The new requirements fall in line with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Students who have already had a bout with Varicella are exempt from the immunizations if they provide proof of the disease from their doctor. Parents can opt their children out of the immunization requirement by getting a waiver from the state.

Because the vaccination has such a short shelf life and is very fragile and expensive, the school nurses do not stock it. Students can get the shot from their primary care provider or the Mat-Su Public Health Center.

To help students meet the new standard, the Public Health Center is running free, one-day vaccination clinics held at schools throughout the district.

“It’s a great way to get the vaccine,” said spokeswoman Catherine Esary. “The kids are in a familiar setting, and they see the other kids getting the shot too.”

On Friday, more than 130 students at Iditarod Elementary got the quick pinch and the colorful Band-Aid. Tootie the therapy dog was on hand wearing a halo and a sticker saying “I got my shot too!”

Some parents chose to attend the clinic with their children, but all students needed a competed form signed by their parents or guardian.

The clinics continue Tuesday through Friday this week and Tuesday next week. The dates should be in the school’s newsletter, and many schools are using the automated dialing system to inform parents about when or if their school is hosting a clinic.

Parents are advised to call their school with any questions.

Contact Todd L. Disher at todd.disher@frontiersman.com or (907) 352-2252.