The Hermiston School District is reminding families that School Exclusion Day is Wednesday, Feb. 15, meaning if a child does not meet the state requirements for immunizations, or if the school’s student record on file shows missing immunizations, he or she will not be able to attend school or child care starting Feb. 15. The student will be admitted back in school once the immunizations are brought up-to-date.
State law requires that all children in public and private schools, preschools, certified child care facilities and Head Start have up-to-date documentation on the students’ immunizations or a medical or non-medical exemption to stay enrolled.
The Umatilla County Public Health Department in Hermiston will be open on Saturday, February 11, from 9 am to 2 pm to offer immunizations. No appointment is necessary. If families are unable to attend, other options include:
• Umatilla County Public Health Department, Hermiston, (541) 567-3113
(Thursday and Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm)
• Umatilla County Public Health Department, Pendleton, (541) 278-5432
(Monday-Wednesday, 8 am to 5pm)
• Mirasol Family Health Center, Hermiston, (541) 567-1717
(Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 7:00 pm)
• Gifford Medical Center, Hermiston, (541) 567-2995
(Wednesday only from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for those that carry regular insurance)
• Family Health Associates, Hermiston, (541) 567-6434
(Monday-Thursday, 7:40 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday, 7:40 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
• Through a primary care physician
Pharmacists at Bi-Mart, Safeway, and Rite Aid can immunize children 7 years of age and older. Parents should contact their pharmacy of choice for more information.
“The school district recognizes that immunizations are essential in keeping children healthy and preventing disease,” said Kira Tomlinson, the district’s lead nurse. “It is important that kids are immunized so that they don’t miss school and can get the most of their educational experience.” “We encourage parents to update school staff whenever there is a change in their child’s immunization record.”
