Immunizations for school, like it or not, are mandatory.

Figuring out who needs what, and when, is not for the faint of heart, and is probably best left to the professionals. Chances are, if a child has been under the care of a pediatrician on a regular basis, his or her immunizations are updated. It is important to double check, because schools will not enroll students who do not have the necessary vaccinations.

This year's requirements are only slightly different from last year, and may not have relevance for everyone.

Students entering pre-kindergarten must have had:

•Three doses of hepatitis B

•Four doses of DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis)

•Three doses of polio

•One dose of varicella (chickenpox)

•One dose of a measles-containing vaccine (MMR-measles, mumps and rubella)

•One dose of hepatitis A vaccine (for Nueces County schools)

Students entering kindergarten must have had the following:

•Five doses of DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis)

•Four doses of polio

•Three doses of hepatitis B

•One dose of varicella (chickenpox)

•Two doses of a measles-containing vaccine (MMR-measles, mumps and rubella)

•One dose of hepatitis A vaccine (for Nueces County schools)

For students entering pre-kindergarten, There are exceptions, mainly regarding when doses were given relative to the child's fourth birthday.

Students age 11 and 12 should have boosters of DTaP and Polio vaccinations 10 years after the last vaccinations.

Immunizations themselves are not enough, of course. Documentation is required, and must come from the doctor or the health department.

Anyone with questions about immunizations should contact his or her child's pediatrician. Information also is available through the Texas Department of State Health Services Web site, www.dshs.state.tx.us.immunize.