Oregon School Exclusions Begin Wednesday

Last school year, 3,466 exclusion orders were issued to children with incomplete records in Marion County.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - Public health officials in the Oregon Department of Human Services are encouraging parents to be sure their children's shots are up to date so they won't be sent home from school.

Beginning Wednesday, children won't be able to go to school if their school or child-care records show they are missing immunizations and do not have an appropriate medical or religious exemption.

The immunization requirement is the result of a state law that applies to all public and private schools, pre-schools, Head Start and certified child care facilities.

Last year, local health departments sent 30,296 letters to parents informing them their child needed immunizations to stay in school.

A total of 5,301 children were kept out of school or child care until their records showed they received the required immunizations.

Immunizations may be obtained from private health care providers, by calling Oregon SafeNet at 800-SAFENET or (800) 723-3638, or by calling the Marion County Health Department to schedule an appointment.

Salem Office:

3180 Center St. NE

Phone: (503) 588-5342

Stayton Office: 1377 N 10th Ave.

Phone: (503) 769-9873

Woodburn Office:

302 W. Hayes St.

Phone: (503) 981-5851

Silverton Office:

In the McMclaine St Clinic, 442 McClaine St.

(503) 873-1764

Parents are encouraged to call soon, because appointments fill up quickly.

There is a fee for immunizations, but eligible persons will not be denied service if they are unable to pay.

Please call for questions about the cost of immunizations and to schedule an appointment.

Parents must accompany their children and bring their children's immunization records.