Schools could bar students without immunizations from classes
EUGENE, Ore. -- Almost 3,000 Lane County students could be barred from attending classes if their parents don't update immunization records with the county health department.
State law requires all children in public and private schools, pre-schools, Head Start and state-certified child care facilities to be up-to-date on immunizations or have a religious or medical exemption.
Students and their families have until Feb. 18 to bring records up-to-date or face possible exclusion from school. Last year, 2,420 students statewide were barred from attending class or child care until the necessary immunization information was turned in to the school or child care facility.
"The goal is to make sure children are fully protected against vaccine-preventable diseases," said Lorraine Duncan, immunization manager in the Oregon Department of Human Services Public Health Division. "If school and child care shot records are not up-to-date, the child will be sent home."
In Lane County, 2,516 students have incomplete immunization records, according to the health department. Another 145 have no record.
Parents seeking immunizations for their children should contact their health care provider, their county health department or call Oregon SafeNet at 800-723-3638.
No one can be turned away from a local health department becuase of inability to pay for required vaccines.
For more information, contact your local health department or visit the state's Web site.
Lane County: (541) 682-4041
Linn County: (541) 967-3888
Benton County: (541) 766-6835
