As part of this annual observance, the Washington State Department of Health would like to recognize school nurses for their efforts to protect students of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases through on-time vaccination. Thank you!!
We encourage you to ensure your students are up to date on their vaccines. New immunization rule changes effective August 1, 2020, require parents to turn in immunization records turned in to the school on or before the first day of attendance. These records must be medically verified. We have provided more details on the rule change and materials to support you at www.doh.wa.gov/schoolimms2020.
We have had several questions regarding if schools who are choosing to open with online learning because of COVID-19 need to ensure their students are in compliance with the immunization laws. The answer is yes, students attending school online because of the COVID-19 pandemic still need to be in compliance with all of the immunization requirements.
While we saw an initial alarming drop in vaccination rates when the stay home stay safe order went into effect, rates are starting to return to normal. We have reached out to parents and providers encouraging them to get their children caught up on vaccinations. Our goal is to prevent another disease outbreak which would increase the burden on our overstretched healthcare infrastructure.
Please remind parents to make sure their children’s vaccinations are complete so their children can start school in the fall without delay. The school and child care immunization website has some sample letters you may find helpful, such as the Incomplete Immunization at Enrollment Notice Sample Letter (Word) | Español (Word).
Lastly, the Immunization Manual for Schools, Preschools, and Child Care Facilities (PDF) June 2020 is now available on the school and child care immunization website.
Thank you for all you do to keep our children safe and healthy!