A6
Blue Mountain Eagle
Wednesday, August 7, 2019
AUGUST 2019
Immunization
Every U.S. state requires certain immunizations (also known as vaccines, vaccinations,
inoculations or shots) for children to attend school. Oregon’s immunization law helps
protect kids and communities against 11 different diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis,
polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and Hib. Some of
these diseases are more common than others, but all still exist and can be serious.
To attend public schools, charter schools, private schools, preschools and childcare
facilities in Oregon, students must have a complete and up-to-date record of
vaccination, medical or nonmedical exemption, or immunity documentation for
every immunization required for the student’s grade.
Immunization Requirements
What parents need to do: Before a child starts school, the parent or guardian must
complete, sign and submit an Oregon Certificate of Immunization Status, showing
compliance with state immunization requirements. The information submitted
must include the date each immunization was received.
Which immunizations are required: Students must be immunized against polio,
measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis A (some grades),
hepatitis B, varicella (chicken pox), and Tdap (some grades). The number of doses
required varies depending on the student’s age and grade level. Some other
important vaccines are recommended by health care providers but are not required
for school attendance.
Where to get immunizations: Vaccines are available at Strawberry Wilderness
Community clinic (541-575-0404), and Grant County Health Department (541-575-
0429). Call for information or to schedule an appointment.
Medical exemptions: If there is a medical reason for the student not to have
immunizations, the parent must provide a signed letter from a licensed physician
documenting the medical exemption or immunity and the reason for it, along with
the completed Certificate of Immunization Status. Medical exemptions are reviewed
and approved by the health department.
Nonmedical exemptions: If a parent seeks a nonmedical exemption from one or more
required immunizations, the parent must provide a completed Vaccine Education
Certificate, available from a health care practitioner or from the online vaccine
education module at http://www.healthoregon.org/vaccineexemption along with the
completed Certificate of Immunization Status. The Vaccine Education Certificate must
be valid for all of the vaccines for which a nonmedical immunization exemption is
being sought. A separate certificate is required for each child.
What if a parent does not show compliance with immunization
requirements: Students must have current school records of all required vaccinations
or valid exemptions to continue attending school on and after Exclusion Day, a date
set by the State of Oregon that is in February of each school year.
Upcoming Sports Registration
8/5 Football Early Registration
8/12 Volleyball Early Registration
8/19 Football Registration
8/26 Volleyball Registration
541-575-0110
jdccparksandrec.rc@gmail.com
February 5, 2020 - Health Department mails exclusion orders to
children’s families who are not up-to-date on their immunizations.
February 19, 2020 - Exclusion day. All children who are not up-to-date
or complete on their immunizations will be excluded from their school
or child care facility.
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