No problems in Havre with new rules on immunization

Havre schools have not had any problems complying with new state vaccine requirements, two principals said Thursday.

The new guidelines, adopted by state lawmakers during the last legislative session, dictate that effective Oct. 1, all students must be vaccinated against whooping cough and chickenpox in order to attend Montana public schools.

In August, Havre Public Schools Superintendent Andy Carlson said an estimated 500 students either had not had the vaccines or were unable to produce proof showing they had been vaccinated.

Two Havre principals said Thursday that parents and children have been able to comply with the new law.

“It's gone smoothly. We haven't had any problems at all,” said Maureen Odegard, principal at Highland Park Early Elementary School. She said only two enrolled students have not been vaccinated, and their families have scheduled appointments for them to get shots in the coming days.

Carmen Lunak, principal at Sunnyside Intermediate School, said she has fielded questions from a few parents, but that all students are now compliant with the new rules.

Officials at Havre's other schools could not be reached for comment.