One of the best ways to prepare children for the coming school year is to make sure their immunizations are up-to-date. Childhood vaccinations are among the most effective ways to protect children against serious and preventable illnesses, some of which have no cure or treatment. Parents should use the next few weeks to ensure their kids have all the immunizations they need to begin school. Certificate of Immunization Status forms, which outline the requirements, are available from schools and the Health Department.
“Immunizations protect children and the people around them, including their classmates. Recent outbreaks of chickenpox and whooping cough in San Juan County increase the importance for kids to be fully immunized before they head back to school,” said San Juan County Health Officer, Dr. Frank James. A measles outbreak also occurred in Washington state this year.
This year there are several new immunization requirements before children can attend school and child care. Students entering sixth and seventh grade must get the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. This booster shot protects older kids against whooping cough (pertussis). Young children receive a vaccine that prevents the same diseases, but protection starts to wear-off in the early teen years, so Tdap is important for preteens.
Kids starting first, second, and sixth grades must also get the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine or document that they’ve had the disease. Kindergarteners need two doses of the vaccine. Parent-reported history of chickenpox is not an acceptable alternative for kids entering kindergarten.
Although exemptions are allowed for medical, religious, or personal reasons, children who are not fully immunized may be excluded from attending school, preschool, or child care if a disease outbreak occurs.
Vaccines are available by appointment at Public Health Clinics on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands, and from local health care providers. Parents are reminded to provide documentation of all vaccines to their child’s school, preschool, and child care providers. Call San Juan County Health and Community Services at 360-378-4474 for an appointment or further information.
