With the Feb. 19 deadline fast approaching for updating children’s vaccinations, the Oregon Immunization Program at Oregon Health Authority reminds parents and caregivers that their children may miss out on school or child care if their records on file show missing immunizations.

By the third Wednesday in February, under state law, all children in public and private schools, preschools, Head Start and certified child care facilities must submit documentation showing they are up to date on required immunizations or have an exemption. This year, if a child’s vaccination records do not show up-to-date immunizations by Feb. 19, the child’s school or child care center will send them home.

“Vaccine-preventable diseases can be highly contagious, with 1,246 cases of pertussis or whooping cough in Oregon last year—the highest number of cases since 1950” said Stacy de Assis Matthews, school law coordinator in OHA’s Public Health Division. “Immunizations remain our best defense against these diseases, keeping kids and school communities healthy and safe.”

Leading up to the school immunization deadline in 2024, local health departments in Oregon sent 24,306 letters to parents and caregivers informing them that they needed to submit records showing up-to-date immunizations for their children. That led to a total of 4,446 children being sent home and not being able to attend school until their families provided the necessary vaccination records.

“Our medical staff and nurses especially are great at monitoring vaccines within our pediatric population. We monitor how to get kids up to date. Exclusion Day is specific to our community to make sure that those who need the vaccines are getting them,” added Dzata.

This year, local public health authorities mailed letters to families on or before Feb. 5.

Parents and caregivers seeking immunizations for their children should contact their health care provider or local health department. They may also reach 211Info by dialing 211 over the phone or going to 211info.org. No one can be turned away from a local health department because of their inability to pay for required vaccines. Many pharmacists can also immunize children 7 and older – the Oregon Immunization Program encourages families to contact their neighborhood pharmacy for more details. Additional information on school immunizations can be found at the Immunization Program website. OHA’s website also features local school vaccination data and an OIP Tableau School Immunization Dashboard.

People in Oregon shared their personal stories with OHA on why adults decide to vaccinate their children:

Hear how Sarah’s powerful conversations changed her mom’s long-held views on vaccinations: https://youtu.be/dPB2sfySwJQ
Reverend Dr. Currie encourages people from all religious walks of life to get their vaccinations: https://youtu.be/D6XnPm1N4iQ
As a parent herself, Dr. Choo talks about why she vaccinates her children: https://youtu.be/aDy7sseKs24

OHA invites people to join the conversation and share why they vaccinate by using #ORVaccinates on social media.

Source: Oregon Health Authority

Cort Webber