Unsplash | Hyttalo Souza

Seattle Schools Tell Parents That Unvaccinated Kids Cannot Return After Break

Vaccination is a hot-topic issue for many parents these days, and one school district's controversial decision to ban students from returning to school after the winter holidays until their immunization records are up to date has garnered quite a bit of attention—both positive and negative.

Unvaccinated students have the capability to spread preventable diseases to the entire student body.

Unsplash | National Cancer Institute

As such, a lot of people agree that strictly enforced rules surrounding immunization in schools are vital to student safety.

All Seattle public schools will require up-to-date immunization records from their students as of January 8th, 2020.

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As most of you are aware, January 8th falls within the first week back to class after the winter break.

The Seattle Public Schools District posted the announcement regarding immunization records on their website a few weeks ago, urging parents to vaccinate their kids.

Unsplash | Clarisse Meyer

The new requirements cite direct consequences for any objection.

The vaccination requirements state that a child must have up-to-date immunization records in-office by January 8th, 2020.

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If they don't, they will not be allowed back in school until the school nurse has received said records:

"Student records must reflect updated immunization status by January 8, 2020," the requirements read, "Or students cannot attend school until the required information is provided to the school nurse."

This announcement follows the passing of a bill in Washington State.

Seattle Public Schools

The bill removes the option for personal exemption from vaccination while attending school.

Though personal and philosophical exemption are no longer allowed, students and parents can still sign Certificates of Exemption on medical or religious grounds.

Unsplash | CDC

That means that if a child is allergic to vaccine ingredients (such as eggs) or part of a religious group that doesn't allow them, they can still attend school.

But if their parents simply choose not to vaccinate based on unscientific reasoning, then they will be forced to vaccinate anyway or find an alternative schooling option.

The District is also offering three free vaccination clinics before the new school term begins.

The updated requirements post also includes information for parents who are currently out of state and guidelines on what to do if a child receives an exclusion letter on January 8th that states that their immunization record is not up-to-date.

In addition to the website announcement, letters were also sent home with every public school child before the winter break.

Unsplash | Hyttalo Souza

Those who do not meet the immunization requirements "will be notified via email, postal mail, and a letter home from [their] child’s school," the website states.

h/t: Seattle Schools, Kiro 7