NYS-TEACHS
at Advocates for Children
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Immunizations
Children and youth who are considered homeless under the McKinney-Vento Act are entitled to immediate enrollment even if they don't have their immunization records or any other documentation normally needed for enrollmlent. It is the responsiblity of the enrolling district to promptly request the records, including immunization records, from the district where the student was last enrolled. The district where the student was last enrolled has five days to forward the records. If the student is missing any immunizations, the student should be referred to the district's McKinney-Vento liaison whose responsiblity it is to help the student obtain the necessary immunizations. Click on the links below to learn more about immunization records with regard to students experiencing homelessness. Below are links that discuss resources as well as information about immunization records.
Resources
Memo from Dr. Elders regarding Immunizations [PDF]
This memo from the former Surgeon General, Dr. Elders, dated February 7, 2007, discusses the harm children and youth who are homeless suffer when they are denied immediate enrollment in school. It also points out why public health is not endangered when such students are enrolled without immunization records.
County Public Health Offices
For information about where to receive free or low-cost vaccinations, please ask a school nurse about where to find the local public health clinic or contact the local Department of Health. Click the link above for contact information by county.
Statewide School Health Services Website
The statewide technical support center for School Health Services and nurses.
Recommended Immunization Schedules for Persons Aged 0-18 Years
Recommended immunization schedule issued by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), updated as of December 15, 2009.
The New York State Immunization Information System
The New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS) is a registry of immunization information for children and youth 19 years old and younger. The goal of the immunization information system is to establish a complete, accurate, secure, real-time immunization medical record that is easily accessible and promotes public health by fully immunizing all individuals appropriate to age and risk. Health care providers have access to the immunization information system. In addition, schools may access the immunization information system for verifying eligibility for admission.
Laws and Guidance
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act [PDF]
Immediate enrollment without records and the obligation of the LEA liaison to help the student obtain the immunization records or immunizations are discussed in Section 722(g)(3)(C).
New York State Education Law Section 3209 [Word doc]
Immediate enrollment without records and the obligation of the enrolling school to obtain the immunization records or immunizations are dicussed in Section 3209(2)(e)-(f).
Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Concerning Homeless Children and Youth Section 100.2(x)
Immediate enrollment without records and the obligation of the enrolling school to obtain the immunization records are discussed in Section 100.2(x)(4)-(5).
New York State Public Health Law Section 2164—Immunization [PDF]
This New York State Public Health Law clarifies that all students have at least 14 days (which may be extended to 30 days) during which they may attend school before presenting proof of immunization.
Upcoming Workshops and Trainings
March 17: Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES
March 17: South Brooklyn McKinney-Vento Training
March 17: Southern Westchester Regional Training