Christian UC: Vaccines

Washington Immunization Requirements

Updated Janyary 1994

Authority: Common School Provisions, Washington Rev. Code Ann. 28A.210.060 to .170 Board of Education, Wash. Admin. Code §180-38-005 to 070.

General Rule: The attendance of every child at every public and private school in the state and licensed day care center shall be conditioned upon the presentation before or on each child’s first day of attendance at a particular school or center, or proof of either (1) full immunization, (2) the initiation of and compliance with a schedule of immunization, (3) a certificate of exemption. RCW §28A.210.080.

It shall be the duty of the chief administrator of every public and private school and day care center to prohibit the further presence at the school or day care center for any and all purposes of each child for whom proof of immunization, certification of exemption, or proof of compliance with an approved schedule of immunization has not been provided, and to continue to prohibit the child’s presence until such proof of immunization, certification of exemption, or approved schedule has been provided.” RCQ §28A.210.120.

Exceptions: There are three: RCW & 28A.210.090.

1. A written certification signed by any physician, that a particular vaccine required by rule of the state board of health is, in his or her judgment, not advisable for the child: Provided, that when it is determined that this particular vaccine is no longer contraindicated, the child will be required to have the vaccine.

2. A written certification signed by any parent or legal guardian of the child or any adult in loco parentis to the child that the religious beliefs of the signatory are contrary to the required immunization measures.

3. A written certification signed by any parent or legal guardian of the child or any adult in loco parent’s to the child that the signatory has either a philosophical or personal objection to the immunization of the child.

Definitions: Full Immunization: shall mean immunization against certain vaccine-preventable diseases in accordance with schedules and with immunizing agents approved by the state board of health. School shall mean and include each building, facility, and location at or within which any or all portions of a preschool, kindergarten and grades one through 12 program of education and related activities are conducted for 2 or more children by or in behalf of any public school district and by or in behalf of any private school or private institution subject to approval by the state board of education pursuant to RCW 28A.305.130(6), 28A.195.010 through 28A195.050, and 28A.410.120.

Procedure:

1) It is the public policy of this state, that each school shall provide written notice to the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of each (student) who is not in compliance prior to exclusion. WAC §180-38-050.

2) The notice must be received prior to emergency expulsion. WAC §180-38-055(1).

3) The notice must advise of the applicable law and provide copies of it and implementing rules, including procedural due process rules. WAC §180-38-055(2).

4) The notice must advise of available immunization services. WAC §180-38-055(3).

5) Lastly, the notice will order an emergency expulsion of the student from school and state such order is effective immediate upon receipt of notice. WAC §180-38-055(4).

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