2026-2027 School Year – Important Information

Dear Bensalem Township School District Families,

As the new school year begins, the district is reviewing student health records to confirm compliance with Pennsylvania school immunization requirements. Please review the information below so that any required records, immunizations, medical plan, or exemption documentation can be provided on time. This communication also includes information about measles and related precautions. As of September 2, 2026, there are no known cases of measles in Bucks County.

What vaccines are required?

Under Pennsylvania requirements, students in all grades must have the following immunizations, unless a valid exemption applies:
• Four doses of tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP), with one dose administered on or after the fourth birthday.
• Four doses of polio vaccine, with the fourth dose administered on or after the fourth birthday. A fourth dose is not required if the third dose was administered at age four or older and at least six months after the previous dose.
• Two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR).
• Three doses of hepatitis B vaccine.
• Two doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or evidence of immunity.
Additional grade-level requirements are:
• Entering seventh grade: One dose of tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) and one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4).
• Entering 12th grade: A second dose of MCV4. A dose administered at age 16 or older counts as the 12th-grade dose.

What must families do, and by when?

• Review your child’s immunization record and the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s School Vaccination Information for Parents.
• By the fifth day of school, submit an updated vaccination record to the school nurse.
• If a vaccination record is not submitted by the fifth day of school, a medically appropriate plan for completing required vaccinations or a valid exemption must be submitted to the school nurse.
• Important: A student who does not have the required doses, a medically appropriate plan for completing a multiple-dose series, or a valid exemption may be excluded from school. An appointment alone does not satisfy the provisional attendance requirement.

What exemptions are permitted?

Pennsylvania permits the following exemptions from school immunization requirements:
• Medical exemption: Submit a written statement from a physician or other authorized medical provider identifying the vaccine or vaccines that may be detrimental to the child's health.
• Religious exemption: Submit a written statement from the parent or guardian explaining that immunization conflicts with the family's sincere religious beliefs.
• Strong moral or ethical conviction: Submit a written statement from the parent or guardian explaining a strong moral or ethical conviction similar to a religious belief.

A student with an exemption may be excluded from school by public health authorities during an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease. What should families know about measles awareness?

• The Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Education recently issued a joint communication to school entities.
• As of today, September 2, 2026, per the state Department of Health website, there are more than 540 cases of measles statewide.
• As of today, September 2, 2026, there are no known cases of measles in Bucks County.
• Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air.
• The virus can remain in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves, and a person with measles can spread the virus from four days before through four days after the rash appears.
• Symptoms often include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a rash.
• Symptoms generally begin 7–14 days after exposure but may take up to 21 days to develop.
• If your child develops symptoms consistent with measles or may have been exposed, contact the child's healthcare provider before arriving at a medical office so appropriate precautions can be taken.

Who should I contact with questions?

• Questions about immunizations or your child's health should be directed to the child's healthcare provider.
• For the official requirements and current public health information, review the Pennsylvania Department of Health's School Immunization Information, the Pennsylvania school immunization requirements, and the Measles Information and Dashboard.

Thank you for helping Bensalem Township School District support safe, healthy learning environments for all students.

Sincerely,

Dr. Velazquez
Interim Superintendent