Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of this presentation participants will be able to understand trends in school vaccination requirements
By the end of this presentation participants will be able to identify potential risks and benefits of requiring HPV vaccination
By the end of this presentation participants will be able to explain the implications of non-medical exemptions
By the end of this presentation participants will be able to identify "best practices” for school vaccination requirements


Background:
School vaccination requirements historically provided high vaccination coverage in school age children. Many states are considering updates to legislative or regulatory requirements for vaccination. Two of the recent issues in school vaccination requirements are whether to require Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations for middle school entry and the best practices for non-medical exemptions. There are controversies surrounding both issues and considerations that should be taken into account before advocating changes to school requirements.

Setting:
State government, schools, public health

Population:
school age children

Project Description:
The Association of Immunization Managers will provide history, trends and recommendations on school vaccination requirements. State program managers will discuss the risk and benefits of HPV vaccination requirements. This session will explore best practices so that non-medical exemptions are less apt to cause significant lowering of vaccination coverage or increases in disease. Important considerations when deciding whether the potential risks are worth the potential benefits of attempting any change in school vaccination requirements will be discussed.

Results/Lessons Learned:
Public health professionals will be aware of the potential risks and benefits of changing school vaccination requirements in regard to HPV vaccine and non-medical exemptions. This awareness will assist them in making informed decisions on whether to seek changes to their school vaccination requirements or the process for granting non-medical exemptions.