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 their having been immunized against diseases as required by the State Board of Health or an exemption according to the procedures.

Meningococcal Immunizations Information Distribution

The district shall allow for exemptions from immunization requirements only as allowed for by RCW 28A.210.090.

The district will provide parents/guardians of students in sixth grade and above with information about meningococcal disease at the beginning of every school year. The information will address the characteristics of the disease; where to find additional information about the disease; vaccinations for children; and current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding receiving the vaccine.

Human Papillomavirus Disease Information

At the beginning of every school year to parents/guardians of sixth through twelfth grade students, the district will provide parents and guardians with information, provided by the state Department of Health about human papillomavirus disease and its vaccine.

The information will include the causes and symptoms of human papillomavirus, how the disease is 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 vaccine.

Life-Threatening Health Conditions

Prior to attendance at school, each child with a life-threatening health condition will present a medication or treatment order addressing the condition. A life-threatening health condition means a condition that will put the child in danger of death during the school day if a medication or treatment order providing authority to a registered nurse and Individual Health Plan are not in place. Following submission of the medication or treatment order, and Individual Health Plan will be developed.

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:

A. Written notice to the parents/guardians or persons in loco parentis delivered to the parents in person or by certified mail;

B. Notice of the applicable laws, including a copy of the laws and rules;

C. The order that the student will be excluded from school immediately and until a medication or treatment order is presented;

D. Explain the rights of the parents/guardians and student to a hearing, the hearing process and that the exclusion continues until the medication or treatment plan is presented or the hearing officer determines that the student should no longer be excluded from school;

E. If the parents/guardians request a hearing, the district will schedule one within three school days of receiving the request, unless more time is requested by the parents/guardians; and

F. The hearing process will be consistent with the procedures established for disciplinary cases pursuant to Chapter 392-400 WAC.

The superintendent will adopt procedures necessary to implement this policy.