As the new school year approaches, parents are typically in a whirlwind of activity to get their kids ready.
However, one aspect that sometimes can be overlooked is whether kids are up-to-date on their vaccines.
Vaccinations protect children from many serious diseases and are required for school, according to a press release from Clark County Public Health.
Children who aren’t fully immunized may be sent home from school, if a disease outbreak occurs.
Clark County has experienced a large whooping cough outbreak in 2015, with 259 cases as of July 20, compared with only 25 cases at this time last year.
“We’re starting to see fewer new cases now that school is out and kids aren’t spending as much time in close contact,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer. “However, we’re concerned that this potentially serious disease could make a comeback in the fall, after school starts.
“My message to parents is to please make sure your kids are current on their whooping cough vaccines and all other recommended vaccines.”
All vaccines required for school are free for those up to age 19. Some providers may charge an administrative fee.
Parents who can’t afford the fee may ask to have it waived.
Families without a regular health care provider can receive free back-to-school vaccinations at the following locations. Immunization records are required.
Immunizations will be provided at the following locations:
o Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E. Main St., Friday, Aug. 21, from 3 to 6 p.m. Call 566-4409 for appointment.
o Free Clinic of Southwest Washington, 4100 Plomondon St., Vancouver.Free vaccinations will take place Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. The clinic is walk-in only for unisured children. Call 313-1390 for more information.
o Hudson’s Bay High School – Go Ready! Back-to-School Readiness Festival, 1601 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver. Vaccinations will be offered Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Call 313-4733 for more information.
o Sea Mar Community Health Centers, 7410 E. Delaware Lane, Vancouver. Vaccinations will be offered Thursday, Aug. 27, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
According to Public Health, most students in Washington have vaccinations needed to enter school.
However, 5.2 percent of Washington’s kindergarten through 12th grade students in the 2014-15 school year were exempted for religious or personal reasons.
Clark County’s K-12 vaccine exemption rate is 7 percent, and ranges from 0 to 43 percent in local schools.
“This is concerning because many diseases require high vaccination rates to ensure there’s enough widespread immunity in the population to protect others who have not developed immunity or are unable to get vaccinated,” said Melnick.
For a list of vaccination requirements in Washington State, visit www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Schools/Immunization/VaccineRequirements.
For additional information, see www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents and www.vaccineinformation.org/.
