Student Immunizations and Life-Threatening Health Conditions (Procedure)

Policy Approve By

Scott McCallum, Superintendent

Policy Date (original policy date)

December 01, 2020

Policy Prepared By

Justine Mings, RN

Policy Category

Medical

PROCEDURE:

Certificate of Immunization
1. Immediately upon enrollment to WSSB, the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) will complete a Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS), distributed by the Washington Department of Health (DOH), or submit a medically verified immunization record. WSSB will make the certificate and/or medically verified immunization records part of the student’s permanent record.
2. If, by the student’s first day of enrollment, a student does not have the required immunization documentation, the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) may submit evidence of having initiated an immunization schedule which will provide the student “conditional attendance” status. Students many attend under conditional status for a limited time. Within thirty (30) calendar days of the student’s first day of attendance, the parent(s)/guardian(s) must provide any missing immunization(s) and/or provide documentation needed to complete the CIS. If a student needs additional doses to complete a vaccine series, they will remain in conditional admittance status for a maximum of thirty (30) calendar days after the nest dose is due until the series is complete. Failure to submit documentation within these timelines will be sufficient cause to exclude the student from school.

Exemptions from Immunization
1. Any and all exemptions will be processed and recorded on a Certification of Exemption (COE) as provided by the DOH.
2. WSSB will grant exemptions from one or more vaccines for a medical reason upon certification by Licensed Healthcare Provider (LHP) that there is a medical reason for not administering the vaccine.
3. WSSB will grant exemptions for personal or religious reasons upon the parent(s)/legal guardian(s)’ submission of a COE as follows:
  1. If a COE states the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) is a member in a religious body or church with beliefs or teaching that preclude a child from receiving medical treatment from a LHP, the LHP’s signature on the COE is not required. If the COE claims a religious reason but does not state that the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) is a member in a religious body or church with beliefs or teachings that preclude a child from receiving medical treatment from a LHP, the LHP’s signature on the COE is required.
  2. With the exception of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, the district will grant exemptions for philosophical or personal reasons upon the parent(s)/legal guardian(s)’ submission of a COW, signed by an LHP, stating that the parent(s)/guardians(s) has a philosophical or personal objection to the immunization of the child and the LHP provided the parent(s)/guardian(s) with information about the benefits and risks of immunization. WSSB will not grant an exemption for philosophical or personal reasons from the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. The LHP may sign the form any time prior to the WSSB’s enrollment of the child. WSSB will accept a photocopy of the signed form or a letter from the LHP in lieu of the original form.
4. WSSB will make the permanent file of students who have exemptions for easy identification should the local department of health order that exempted students be excluded from school temporarily during and outbreak or pandemic.
5. If WSSB does not receive a COE upon the student’s enrollment in school, the principal or designee will provide written notice to the parent(s)/guardian(s) informing them of:
  1. The immunization requirements;
  2. The potential that the student will be denied attendance unless documentation needed to complete the CIS are provided within thirty (30) calendar days of the student’s first day of attendance;
  3. The procedural due process rights; and
  4. The immunization services available.

Exclusion from School

Following proper notification, WSSB will exclude the student for noncompliance with the immunization laws. Parents/guardians have the right to a hearing, provided they notify the school within three (3) days after receiving the exclusion order from the school principal or designee. If the parent requests a hearing, WSSB will notify in writing the parent or guardian and school principal of the time and place for the hearing and will present the case to the principal and school nurse.

Legal References:

Chapter 28A.210 RCW

Chapter 246-105 WAC

WAC 392-182

WAC 392-380