February 8, 2024 9:30 a.m.

With the February 21st deadline fast approaching for updating kid’s vaccinations, the Oregon Immunization Program is reminding parents and caregivers that their children may miss out on school or childcare if their records on file show missing immunizations.

A release from the Oregon Health Authority said the third Wednesday in February is known as School Exclusion Day. By this day, under state law all children in public and private schools, preschools, Head Start, and certified childcare facilities must submit documentation showing they are up to date on their required immunizations or have an exemption. This year, if a child’s vaccination records do not show up-to-date immunizations by February 21st, their school or childcare center will send them home.

The release said that leading up to School Exclusion Day in 2023, local health departments in Oregon sent 26,688 letters to parents and caregivers informing them that they needed to submit records showing up-to-date immunizations for their children. That led to a total of 4,048 children being sent home and not being able to attend school until their families provided the necessary vaccination records.

This year, local public health authorities mailed letters to families on or before February 7th.

OHA said that parents and caregivers seeking immunizations should contact their health care provider or local health department. For more information, go to the Oregon Health Authority website: www.oha.oregon.gov.