3413 Policy – Student Immunization and Life Threatening Health Conditions

Immunizations

In order to safeguard the school community from the spread of certain communicable diseases and in recognition that prevention is a means of combating the spread of disease, Bellingham Public Schools requires a student to present evidence of having been immunized against diseases as required by 28A.210 RCW and the Washington State Board of Health 246-105 WAC.

 

Exemptions from Immunization

The district shall allow for exemptions from immunization requirements only as allowed for by RCW 28A.210.090 and WAC 246-105-050.

 

Meningococcal Disease, Human Papillomavirus Disease and Vaccine Information Distribution

At the beginning of every school year, the district will provide parents/guardians of students in grades six through 12 information provided by the Washington State Department of Health about meningococcal disease, human papillomavirus disease (HPV) and their vaccines.

 

The information will include the causes and symptoms of meningococcal disease, HPV, how the diseases are spread, the places where parents/guardians may obtain additional information and vaccinations for their children and current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control Prevention regarding the vaccines.

 

Life-Threatening Health Conditions

Prior to attendance at school, each student with a life-threatening health condition will present a medication or treatment order from a Licensed Healthcare Provider (LHP) addressing the condition. A life-threatening health condition means a condition that will put the student in danger of death during the school day if a medication and treatment order providing authority to a registered nurse (RN) and Individual Health Plan (IHP) is not in place. Following submission of the medication or treatment order, the RN will develop an IHP.

 

Students who have a life-threatening health condition and no medication or treatment order presented to the school will be excluded from school to the extent that the district can do so consistent with federal requirements for students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and according to the following due process requirements in procedure 3413.

 

Exclusion from School

The district shall exclude students as required in RCW 28A.210.120 from further presence at the school who are out of compliance with the immunization requirements and students with a life-threatening health condition as required in WAC 392-380-045 who do not have a medication and treatment order in place.

 

The superintendent will adopt procedures necessary to implement this policy.