HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Kansas state law requires all students to be vaccinated prior to attending school each year or to provide annual documentation of one of two exemptions. Most of those vaccinations are required prior to kindergarten with another major update of vaccinations typically before entering seventh grade.
The complete list of vaccinations is available at http://www.kdheks.gov/immunize/download/2015-16_School_Memo.pdf.
USD 308 officials say they do not consider a student to be enrolled and will not be allowed to attend school in August until the student’s school receives documentation of the vaccinations or a letter citing the exemption.
First-time enrollees to the district under the age of 9 must present:
A state-generated birth certificate from the state in which the child was born.
A physical completed by the child’s physician.
Record of current vaccinations.
First-time enrollees to the district ages 9 and older must present:
A state-generated birth certificate from the state in which the child was born.
Record of current vaccinations.
Returning enrollees must present or have on file a current immunization record or documentation of one of the exemptions.
The two vaccination exemptions allowed under Kansas law (KSA 72-5209(b)) are:
1. An annual written statement signed by a licensed physician stating the physical condition of the child to be such that the tests or inoculations would seriously endanger the life or health of the child, or
2. a written statement signed by one parent or guardian that the child is an adherent of a religious denomination whose religious teachings are opposed to such tests or inoculations.
To help make it easier, the Reno County Health Department and USD 308 will have a clinic from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 3 at Hutchinson Middle School – 7, 210 East A.
Vaccinations will be available for both pre-school/kindergarten and seventh graders. Families are asked to bring a copy of the student’s immunization records and insurance card.
Vaccinations also are available from a family physician, Prairie Star Health Center, Reno County Health Department or local pharmacies. Prior to the start of school, the immunization record may be brought into the Curriculum Office, 1520 North Plum, Room 101, prior to enrollment on August 3.
The district has contacted seventh graders whose records do not show proof of vaccinations with an automated call monthly until the start of school, which will be Aug. 18. Additional calls will be made as the first day of school nears.