Time for back-to-school immunizations–Department of Health
Washington state health officials are urging parents to use the next few weeks to make sure their children had all the immunizations they need to attend school.
Currently there’s a whooping cough outbreak in California and Idaho, and last year in Washington there were outbreaks of whooping cough, flu, and chickenpox.
Last year there was also a measles outbreak just across the border in Canada, health officials said.
“Be sure your child’s immunizations are up-to-date — it protects them, their classmates, families, and communities,” said State Health Officer and pediatrician Dr. Maxine Hayes.
Several immunizations are required before children can attend school and child care.
- Students in kindergarten through ninth grade must be vaccinated against whooping cough.
- Kindergarteners, first, and second graders need two doses of the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine or must have a health care provider document that they’ve had the disease.
- Kids starting third, fourth, and sixth grades must get one dose of the chickenpox vaccine or their parents must document that they’ve had the disease.
All recommended vaccines for children under 19 are provided at no-cost through the state’s Childhood Vaccine Program, the Department of Health said.
This includes vaccines required for school and child care, and vaccines that aren’t required but are recommended for best protection, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) for pre-teens, health officials said.
Your health care provider may still charge an office visit or administration fee, but this can be waived if you’re unable to pay.
Although exemptions are allowed for medical, religious, or personal reasons, the best disease protection is to make sure children have all recommended immunizations, health officials said.
Children who aren’t fully immunized may be excluded from attending school, pre-school, or child care if a disease outbreak occurs, health officials warned.
Unvaccinated children are more likely to get sick or spread disease, health officials noted.
Health care providers can use the CHILD Profile Immunization Registry to help parents complete the necessary paperwork by printing it directly from the registry.
Parents should request their child’s shot records at least a month before school, health officials advised.
Health care providers can use the CHILD Profile Immunization Registry to help parents complete the necessary paperwork by printing it directly from the registry.
For help finding a health care provider or an immunization clinic, call your local health agency (www.doh.wa.gov/LHJMap/LHJMap.htm) or the WithinReach (www.withinreachwa.org) Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.
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