The California School Law outlines the immunizations required for school entry. The school immunization requirements are not as comprehensive as the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommendations. Please encourage parents to make sure their children receive all of the recommended vaccines in addition to the ones required for school entry.
California Immunization Requirements for Schools (K-12):
CDC & Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Recommendations:
The following steps should be taken to make sure children have all the required vaccines.
- Obtain the child’s personal immunization record.
Spring registration is the best time to view records in case a child needs vaccines. Children who are not up-to-date can register, but cannot attend school until they have received the required vaccines.
- Review the child’s personal immunization record.
Preferred personal immunization records include: California Immunization Records (the Yellow Card), Out-of-State records, International records, and California School Immunization Records (Blue Cards) from another child care center. Records must include the name of the vaccine and the date it was given. Encourage parents to have a Yellow Card and to have it filled out completely.
- Complete the California School Immunization Record (Blue Card).
Enter the date each vaccine was given onto the Blue Card. If the child had chickenpox disease they do not need the Varicella vaccine. The Yellow Card must be marked “Had disease” and signed or stamped by the provider, then write “Had disease” across the date boxes next to Varicella on the Blue Card.
- Assess the child’s immunization status.
Children who have all the required vaccines or the state-granted exemptions may attend school. Children who are not up-to-date must be excluded from school; give the parent a Notice of Immunizations Needed to take to their provider. Allow children to attend school after they show proof they have received the necessary vaccines.
- File the Blue Card in the child’s cumulative file.
The Blue Card is considered part of the permanent school record. Schools with a State-approved electronic system for storing immunization records do not have to keep hard copies on file. Hard copies are necessary for children with Personal Beliefs Exemptions, when a child transfers out of district and if your school is chosen for the Selective Review.
- Follow up with conditional entrants monthly.
Conditional entrants are students who were admitted into school, but need more vaccines before the school year is over. These are children who are in the middle of a series of shots or who have a temporary medical exemption. Be sure to alert parents when more vaccines are due. The student has 10 school days after receiving a written notice to show proof the vaccine was given.
California Immunization Handbook suggested follow-up methods
- Complete the Annual Report.
The Annual Report for Kindergartens is due on October 15th; there is a follow up report due December 3rd for schools listing conditional entrants on their Annual Report. The Selective Review occurs every spring; schools are chosen at random by the State for auditing and you will be notified in advance if your school is chosen.
If you have questions about reviewing immunization records, the Annual Report or the Selective Review, please contact:
Kimberly Ralston (Health Educator): 619.692.8601 Kimberly.ralston@sdcounty.ca.gov
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