State law requires children to be vaccinated - KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

By Victoria Shirley

MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News)- No shots.... no school, that's what the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals is telling parents with young children.
With four daughters, Tracey Bearden knows the vaccination drill all too well. "We have to go for school, you know they make us go in there and get their shots, but it's good for the kids." said Bearden. She most recently took her sixth grader to get her shots up to date.

"It is the law and the law requires that children be vaccinated before they begin school." said Dr. Shelley Jones, who is the director of the Ouachita Parish Health Unit.
Dr. Jones says the state requires children entering pre-k, kindergarten, day care or head start--or sixth grade to prove they have the appropriate shots.
But there are exemptions from the law if you're not comfortable with the shots. Parents can opt out with a written statement from a physician saying the child can't be vaccinated for medical reasons or with a parent refusal letter.

That being said,  Dr. Jones strongly encourages the shots. She says it not only protects your child, but it also protects other children and family members from getting sick. "You know immunizations is one of the greatest, public health interventions in the  last century and it's saved millions of lives." said Dr. Jones.

Parent Tracey says the shots give her peace of mind knowing her school-age daughters are starting the year off right. "I think it's something everyone should put on their back to school lists."

Parents remember, to keep the copies of the immunization records, otherwise your child may have to get re-vaccinated.

If you need to find a parish health unit, click here.