OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The Washington Department of Health is letting parents know that all students at public and private high schools must be vaccinated for chickenpox beginning this fall. Officials say they hope parents will get their teens vaccinated soon to avoid a last-minute rush before the 2016-2017 school year begins. The state's health officer, Dr. Kathy Lofy, says chickenpox can be dangerous for those with weakened immune systems. Those infected are at risk for developing shingles, a painful skin rash, later in life. Students are not required to be vaccinated if they already had two doses of the vaccine, have had chickenpox in the past or have had a blood test showing they are immune.

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