Contact: Martha DeBroekert, Lane County Public Health, 541-682-4041

School Immunization Exclusion Day, February 17, is fast approaching. Working with every public and private school, preschool and certified day care facility in the county, Lane County Public Health is completing a review of each child’s’ immunization record. Today, February 3, letters will be sent to each family in Lane County whose child has incomplete immunization records. The letters will inform them of the specific immunizations that the child needs by February 17 in order to attend school.

Children can receive their required immunizations at their private provider or through public clinics. School-based health clinics also offer immunizations. Cost should not be a barrier to required immunizations, which are covered by the Vaccine for Children program. Public Health is making available as many appointment slots as possible for school immunization between now and February 17. To set up an appointment, please call 541-682-4041.

Public Health will also be holding a walk-in school immunization clinic from 8:30-11:30 a.m., on Exclusion Day at the Public Health Annex, 135 E. Sixth Ave., Eugene.

“Oregon school immunization requirements play an important role in preventing the spread of many serious childhood illnesses including measles, mumps, hepatitis A and B, and pertussis (whooping cough),” said Martha deBroekert, Immunization Coordinator for Lane County Public Health.

Information about school immunizations and Oregon requirements may be found at:

http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/imm/school/index.shtml

Amber Fossen

Public Information Officer

Lane County Government

125 E. Eighth Ave.

Eugene, Oregon 97401

(541) 682.3718

(541) 359.9143 (cell)