health services

What’s New in the Health Room?

It’s a good time to make sure children meet the immunization requirements for the year ahead and to know about changes in vaccine requirements and regulations. Washington state law requires all students attending public schools to be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, mumps, hepatitis B, varicella and rubella before registering for school. Children may not attend school if parents do not provide proof of required immunizations by the first day of school. For more information about immunization requirements, call the District’s Health Services Office at 253-891-6051 or the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department at 253-798-2987.

On May 10, 2011, Governor Gregoire signed a bill that requires a licensed health care provider to sign the certificate of exemption for a parent or guardian to exempt their child from school and child care immunization requirements. The signature verifies that the health care provider gave the parent or guardian information about the risks and benefits of immunization. A parent or guardian can also turn in a signed letter from a health care provider stating the same information.

This law took effect on July 22, 2011, and only applies to exemptions requested after this date. A health care provider does not need to sign a form for parents or guardians who demonstrate membership in a church or religious group that does not allow a health care provider to provide medical treatment to a child.

For more information, please visit the Washington State Department of Health’s Web site.

Healthy Kids Are Better Students

The following health services are provided by the school's health technicians.

* Immediate and temporary care of students who may become ill or injured
* Medication Administration
* Health Referrals
* Hearing and Vision
* Manage Health and Immunization Records

Contact the School Health Room staff when:

* You want information about health care services in the community
* You need assistance obtaining dental or vision care for your child
* You need assistance obtaining a referral to a health care provider
* A change occurs in your child's health or when a medication must be taken at school
* A communicable disease/concern occurs
* A health problem might be a community health issue
* Your child's attendance starts to change

For further information regarding medications, health screenings, immunizations, and illness please refer to the school district's calendar and guide.

If you have any questions please contact the Health Room Staff at your child's school.