With School Days Approaching, Is Your Child's Immunization Record Ready?

(Editor's note: The following information comes from the State Department of Health)

The State Department of Health is telling parents that now’s the time to make sure children are protected from diseases  before they start school, according to a press release.

Children are required by the state to be innoculated with several vaccines or obtain a certified waiver from their doctor before they can attend  school and child care.

Washington state is currently experiencing a , with nearly  3,300 cases of whooping cough reported  so far this year —  more than has been reported in .

One of those cases was in University Place last year.

Two  vaccines protect against diphtheria,  tetanus, and pertussis – or  whooping cough. The DTaP vaccine is  required for kids entering child  care and kindergarten. One dose of  Tdap vaccine is required for kids 11  and older in sixth through 11th grade. All vaccines required to enroll in school are  available to children at no cost.

“We  must be sure our kids start the school year on the right foot,” said  State Health Officer Dr. Maxine Hayes, a pediatrician. “Unvaccinated  kids are more likely to catch and spread serious illnesses like whooping  cough. That’s why it’s so important to protect children from this and  other preventable diseases.”

Parents can find out which vaccines are required for school and child-care attendance online. Be sure to ask for vaccination records from your health care  provider for your children now so you will have enough time to get any  immunizations they might need.

Kids who aren’t fully immunized may be sent home from school, preschool or child care if a disease outbreak occurs. Last year a new law changed the process for parents or guardians to exempt their child from  required immunizations. They must now fill out and submit an exemption  certificate, signed by a health care provider verifying the provider has  shared information on immunization benefits and risks.

No-cost  vaccines are offered for children up to age 19 through health care  providers participating in the state’s Childhood Vaccine Program. An office-visit fee and a fee to give the vaccine, called an  administration fee, may be applied. People who can’t afford the administration fee can  ask the health care provider to waive the cost.

For help finding a health care provider or an immunization clinic, contact a local health agency or the WithinReach (www.withinreachwa.org) Family Health Hotline at 800-322-2588.