Lewiston and Auburn high schools will offer free chickenpox shots next month in an effort to get more freshmen to comply with immunizations laws.

Those who don’t get vaccinated by Dec. 1 won’t be allowed in school.

In 2002, Maine adopted a rule that required all schoolchildren to be vaccinated against chickenpox. The law is being phased in over five years.

This fall, students in kindergarten, first, second and ninth grades have to be vaccinated. They can skip the shot if they prove they’ve already had chickenpox or if they request an exception for a medical, religious or philosophical reason.

Since it became available in the United States in 1995, many doctors have added the chickenpox vaccine to the list of shots routinely given to babies. Most younger students got the shot, but many teenagers never did.

Sixty Lewiston High School freshmen and 90 Edward little High School freshmen haven’t yet had the shot, shown proof of chickenpox or asked for an exemption.

By state law, those who don’t meet the requirements won’t be allowed in school after a 90-day grace period. That grace period ends Dec. 1 for Lewiston and Auburn.

To help with the last minute scramble, the school-based health centers in both high schools will offer free chickenpox shots to students who need them. Auburn will hold its chickenpox clinic on Tuesday, Nov. 9. Lewiston will hold its clinic on Wednesday, Nov. 10.

Students in Auburn must register by Nov. 4 by calling the school-based health center at 782-6827, extension 241. Students in Lewiston must register by Nov. 5 by calling 795-4144, extension 310.

Two shots are required for people over 13. The health centers will give one shot in November and the second 30 days later.

Students may remain in school after Dec. 1 as long as they have started the shots.