February 11, 2021 3:30 a.m.

A reminder from the Oregon Health Authority said February 17th is School Exclusion Day.

A release said while many children still rely on remote learning, officials want to make sure they are safe as schools reopen around the state. This includes making sure that children are up to date on childhood vaccines, like measles.

Children may not be able to attend school or childcare on that day, or when their school reopens, if their records on file show missing immunizations. Schools also have the option of blocking remote learning access for kids without current immunization records on that date.

The release said under state law, all children in public and private schools, preschools, Head Start, and certified childcare facilities must have up-to-date documentation on their required immunizations, or have an exemption. The COVID-19 vaccine is not currently required for children. Current protocols from the Food and Drug Administration do not allow for children under age 16 to receive the Pfizer vaccine, and do not allow for children under age 18 to get the Moderna vaccine.

The release said if a child’s school and childcare vaccination records are not up to date by February 17th, the child will be sent home. Last year, local health departments sent over 21,000 letters to parents and guardians informing them that their children needed immunizations. Nearly 3,300 children were kept out of school or childcare until the necessary information was turned in.

Parents seeking immunizations for their children should contact their health care provider or local health department.

Additional information on immunizations can be found: https://www.oregon.gov/OHA/PH/PreventionWellness/VaccinesImmunization/Pages/index.aspx