State requires vaccinations for students

Kindergartners and 7th-graders need to be up on required shots|

Bay Area health officials remind parents to ensure their children are vaccinated in time for the first day of school. State law requires vaccination for students without a medical exemption. Make an appointments today to ensure your children have all the required immunizations.

“Before school starts, parents should make sure their kids have received all necessary vaccines,” said Dr. Karen Holbrook, Sonoma County Deputy Public Health Officer. “Talk to your healthcare provider to ensure their vaccines are up to date and get proper documentation.”

Healthcare providers in Sonoma County are dedicated to providing high quality, affordable health care to families and children. They provide a wide range of services, but not all services are available at every location. Contact your nearest health center to inquire about the availability of immunizations.

Some pharmacies also provide immunization services. To search by zip code and vaccine type for your nearest location, see vaccinefinder.org/.

Under Senate Bill 277, in effect since Jan. 1, 2016, exemptions based on personal beliefs, including religious beliefs, are no longer an option for the vaccines that are currently required for entry into child care or school. Most families will not be affected by the new state law because their children have received all required vaccinations. Personal beliefs exemptions on file for a child already attending child care or school will remain valid until the child reaches the next immunization checkpoint at kindergarten (including transitional kindergarten) or seventh grade.

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