Parents, add another shot to list

COLUMBUS - Some children can expect an extra prick of a needle before next school year begins.

The chicken pox vaccine has recently been added to the list of childhood immunizations required by the state. The requirement is effective July 1 and pertains to 2- to 5-year-olds enrolled in a school-based program not licensed as a child care provider, kindergartners and first-grade students entering school for the first time, students entering seventh grade and transfer students from outside the state entering any grade.

One dose of varicella (chicken pox) vaccine is required for children on or after 12 months of age and before their 13th birthday. Children older than 13 will receive two doses of varicella separated by at least one month.