Are Vaccinations Mandatory For School In Acadiana?

Back to school is around the corner.

The quick answer is, "No." It is not mandatory to vaccinate your child in the state of Louisiana. Although, Dr. Donna Jean Wilson, medical director for the Lafayette Parish School System, recommends getting all of your child's shots, both in kindergarten and sixth grade.

Parents do not have to give a reason to the state as to why their child isn't vaccinated.

Public schools in Vermilion Parish has the highest number of students that are immunized in both kindergarten and sixth grade.

Kindergartners in Lafayette Parish, and sixth graders in St. Landry Parish have the lowest rate of immunization.

As far as private schools, St. Martin Parish has the highest number of vaccinated kindergartners, and Vermilion has the highest in sixth grade. St. Landry kindergartners, and Evangeline Parish sixth graders have the lowest vaccination rates.

Trevis Boudreaux with Women's and Children's Hospital says, "It's a good idea to get your child vaccinated, because not only are you protecting your child, but you are protecting the other children they come in to contact with at school."

Parents who do not choose to vaccinate their child can contact the school board office of the school their child is attending, and request a "Decision Not to Vaccinate My Child" form.

Women's and Children's Hospital will be holding "Shots for Tots" on October 15th. There, $10 will get your child all the shots they need.

Here is the full list of the percentage of children who are vaccinated in each parish from KATC:

Public School
Kindergarteners
Acadia - 98.33%
Evangeline - 96.95%
Iberia - 97.98%
Lafayette - 94.89%
St. Landry - 95.30%
St. Martin - 97.05%
Vermilion - 99.36%

Sixth Graders
Acadia - 86.31%
Evangeline - 90.59%
Iberia - 96.78%
Lafayette - 84.80%
St. Landry - 82.98%
St. Martin - 93.33%
Vermilion - 98.24%

Private School
Kindergarteners
Acadia - 84.93%
Evangeline - 95.75%
Iberia - 89.37%
Lafayette - 88.87%
St. Landry - 77.39%
St. Martin - 98.04%
Vermilion - 86.67%

Sixth Graders
Acadia - 71.26%
Evangeline - 66.67%
Iberia - 82.09%
Lafayette - 81.34%
St. Landry - 74.07%
St. Martin - 74.42%
Vermilion - 84.62%