Immunizations are important for keeping children healthy, in school and ready to learn. Immunizations can reduce the severity of disease or prevent disease entirely and reduce the spread of disease.
Per Washington State law, children entering school must have documentation of the required immunizations or an exemption to attend school or child care, including those attending an alternative school program such as Running Start, vocational technical school or virtual school. BPS uses School Module, a feature of the Washington State Immunization Information System (IIS) to track and manage student and school-level immunization information. Most children vaccinated in WA already have their information in the IIS. You can access your child’s records by using . If your child’s immunizations are not in IIS (i.e. immunizations were given outside of WA) or you have a Certificate of Exemption, the school must have a copy of these records on file at school before they start attending.
Immunization chart for schools and child care and more information about immunizations are available on the Please contact health services at 360-676-6455 or your school nurse if you have any questions or need assistance in locating a vaccine provider, obtaining health insurance, or getting established with a health care provider.
Exemptions from Immunization Requirements
Washington State Law allows parents/guardians to exempt their child from the school or childcare immunization requirements. Exemptions may be claimed for personal/philosophical, religious or medical reasons. Measles, mumps, and rubella may not be exempted for personal/philosophical reasons. To request an exemption, a completed must be submitted to the school or childcare center.
Conditional Status and School Entry
Children who are in the process of completing their required immunizations may remain in school or childcare in a temporary conditional status. Contact your school nurse to arrange.
Outbreaks and Exclusion
To control the spread of disease a local health officer may exclude children and staff in schools and childcare facilities who are susceptible (i.e. unvaccinated). .
What do vaccines cost?
Clinics in the Vaccines For Children (VFC) program provide childhood vaccines at no cost in the state of Washington. Providers may charge an office visit fee and a fee to give the vaccine, called an administration fee. If you cannot pay the administration fee, you can ask your health care provider to waive the cost. Find VFC clinics by using this .
Meningococcal and Human Papilloma Virus
The Washington State Legislature requires us to make information available to you about meningococcal disease and human papillomavirus (HPV). Know the facts about these diseases and the vaccines available to protect your child.