Health District: childhood immunizations a smart start to school

Grant County Health District is asking families to “set your child up for a successful and healthy school year by keeping their vaccinations up to date.”

Children in private and public schools, home and childcare centers, or other early learning programs are required to have certain vaccinations before they can start. These requirements are put into place to protect children, families, and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases. Parents may choose to opt out of certain vaccinations for their children, but families must have an approved Washington state exemption form on file for these exemptions.

Currently, Grant County is seeing a rise in chickenpox (varicella) and whooping cough (pertussis) cases. Both infections are highly contagious and can lead to serious complications. Vaccines are available to help prevent them. The district is advising to “protect your family and others by vaccinating your child before the school year begins.”

“If a disease outbreak occurs in a school or childcare setting, those who are not up to date on vaccinations may be sent home for a period of time,” states Amber McCoy, Investigations & Response Manager. “Immunizations help keep your child healthy and reduce the chances of them missing school.”

In Grant County, 80% of public school districts are meeting vaccine compliance standards. In July, GCHD’s staff and health officer worked with the Grant County Board of Health to pass a resolution to boost vaccine compliance. The resolution urges local schools to enforce vaccine requirements mandated by state law.

To check your family’s immunization status

National Immunization Awareness Month highlights the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. It’s a reminder to check your family’s immunization status and catch up on any missed vaccines.

Use CDC’s immunization schedule to see which vaccines your child needs for their age group. Then

check your family’s immunization records to confirm they are up to date.

One of the easiest ways to access your family’s immunization records is with MyIR Mobile. MyIR mobile is a free, easy and secure way to view immunization records. Click here for more ways to access immunization records.

Get Up to Date:

If you or your family are not up to date on immunizations, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible!

There are providers in Grant County who offer free vaccines for those 18 years and under through the Childhood Vaccine Program. Click here to find a list of participating providers in your area.

If charged with an office visit or administrative fee that you are unable to pay, ask your provider to waive the cost.

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