SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – By the time school begins in the fall, all Nebraska students, regardless of age, who have never had chickenpox, will be required to have not one, but two chicken pox vaccinations.

In 2009, the Nebraska legislature changed the law from one vaccination to two, effective at the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year.

Schools will require documentation to prove students have either had both shots of the vaccine, or actually had a case of chickenpox.

Many junior and senior high school students had the disease before state law required a single vaccination. Many grade school children have had one shot, but will need a second vaccination before school starts in the fall. School nurses throughout the panhandle are currently combing records to determine who needs to be vaccinated.

The Panhandle Immunization Coalition encourages parents to get their children fully vaccinated sooner rather than later. The cost of the vaccine is about $100, which is usually covered by insurance. Shots are available at physicians’ offices throughout the panhandle, Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska (CAPWN), and the Regional West Community Health office.

Chickenpox vaccinations are available on a donation basis at the Regional West Community Health office and CAPWN. No child will be turned away due to inability to pay.

To schedule a chickenpox vaccination, at CAPWN, 3350 10th Street, Gering, call 308-633-3314.

The Regional West Community Health office, located at 3700 Avenue B, Scottsbluff, is now scheduling appointments for May. For an appointment, call 308-630-1126.

Chickenpox, or varicella, is a highly contagious virus that causes illnesses ranging from mild to severe. It usually begins with cold-like symptoms, including fever and a cough and progresses to itchy red bumps on the body. The bumps become fluid-filled blisters that break and scab over. Complications can include infections, pneumonia, and brain swelling.

Regional West Health Services, with over 1,800 employees, provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, Regional West offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties. Regional West Medical Center, a subsidiary of Regional West Health Services, is accredited by The Joint Commission and is one of three Level II Trauma Centers in Nebraska.