Mississippi health officials are waiving the two-dose requirement for the chickenpox vaccine for children starting school in 2007-2008 because of delays in vaccine availability.

The Department of Health says children entering school this school year will be required to have at least one dose of varicella vaccine or a history of chickenpox.

Health officials say children who currently have an incomplete immunization compliance form and children entering school without two doses of the vaccine will not be considered out of compliance with vaccine requirements.

Officials say the waiver is for school entry during the 2007-2008 school year only.

The second dose of varicella vaccine is needed and should be received at the standard age of 4-6 years if available.