To: The Billerica School Community

From: Town of Billerica Public School Nurses &

School Health Administrators

Date: March 28, 2025

Subject: Immunization requirements for The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR)

Vaccine Applies to All Grade Levels

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Public Health instituted a vaccine mandate for the MMR vaccine for all persons participating in educational programs.  Measles is one of the world's most contagious diseases and can spread very quickly and cause outbreaks among people who are not vaccinated.

The Department of Public Health states the following;  “Community-wide vaccination with the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR) is the most effective way to prevent measles.  The MMR vaccine is very safe and effective.  All children should receive 2 doses of MMR vaccine to ensure they are immune.”

It is required and extremely important that any individuals participating in an educational program in Massachusetts are up to date with their MMR vaccine and all other required vaccines.  Massachusetts regulation 105 CMR 220.00 states “IMMUNIZATIONS OF STUDENT BEFORE ADMISSION TO SCHOOL”. Please see the attached Health regulation for the full details of this requirement. These requirements include “any individual from another country attending or visiting classes or educational programs as part of formal academic instruction”.

For questions regarding vaccine preventable diseases, please call the Division of Epidemiology and Immunizations at 617-983-6800 and ask to speak to an epidemiologist.

More information about school requirements and vaccination can be found at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/school-immunizations