DOH: Remember school immunizations

The Washington State Department of Health is urging parents to make sure their kids’ immunizations are up-to-date before heading back to school this fall.

“Summer is a busy time, and immunizations are often overlooked. Vaccines are critical protection for our children and help keep other kids around them safe from many diseases such as whooping cough and measles,” said State Health Officer Dr. Kathy Lofy.

Last school year, 85 percent of kindergartners had all their required immunizations. However, the number of kids with exemptions from recommended immunizations remained steady at 4.5 percent. This means that nearly 4,000 kindergartners do not have all of the vaccines they need to protect them from diseases.

A complete list of immunization requirements is available at the department's website, http://www.doh.wa.gov.

For school year 2016-2017, there are changes to the chickenpox vaccine requirement. Kids in kindergarten through grade 12 must get two doses of the vaccine or have a health care provider document that they have already had chickenpox.

Parents are encouraged to register for MyIR, which allows access to their child’s Certificate of Immunization Status. The Childhood Vaccine Program provides vaccines at no cost to kids younger than 19. Parents should be aware that health care providers might charge an office visit fee.

For help finding a health care provider or an immunization clinic, contact your local health agency or the WithinReach Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.