February 16, 2022 3:20 a.m.

The Oregon Health Authority has allowed local public health authorities to set alternate dates this year by which parents must provide vaccine records for their children so they are not excluded from school.

An OHA release said the annual school immunization Exclusion Day typically happens during the third week of February; this year it falls on Wednesday. However, due to the unexpected challenges the COVID-19 Omicron variant has presented for local public health authorities, schools and families, Exclusion Day will be March 30th for schools in Douglas County and April 20th for schools in Clackamas, Clatsop, Jefferson, Morrow, Multnomah and Yamhill counties.

Stacey de Assis Matthews, school immunization coordinator in OHA’s Public Health Division, said 7 counties in the state chose an alternate Exclusion Day to give overburdened systems time to gather information. She said most counties are sticking with the Wednesday date, but some have chosen an alternate day for this year only.

The release said county health departments have sent letters to families to let them know if their children’s records at the school or daycare show missing vaccines. Parents who receive the letter should take action by the date listed on the letter, depending on their county’s timeline.

Oregon’s immunization requirements protect kids in school and childcare against 11 diseases. Under state law, all children in public and private schools, preschools, Head Start and certified child care 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.

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