Immunizations
Vaccines: Washington state law requires all students to have medically verified vaccine records and all required vaccines before attending school. We cannot accept records printed from other school systems, verbal reports from parents/guardians, or handwritten records without a medical provider stamp or signature. These requirements are in place to protect children, families, and communities from vaccine preventable diseases.
Medically Verified Vaccine Records include:
- A Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) printed from the Washington Immunization Information System (WAIIS)
- A CIS form with handwritten dates and a healthcare provider signature
- A CIS form with attached medical vaccine records ·
- A CIS printed from MyIR Mobile at https://myirmobile.com
Conditional Status: Students who need to catch up on vaccines may stay in school under conditional status. When the next catch-up vaccine dose is due, the parent or guardian must turn in documentation within 30 days of the vaccine due date.
To be in conditional status, families must complete the following:
- Get their child vaccinated for all eligible missing vaccines.
- Turn in required paperwork showing the vaccinations their child has received.
- Have a parent or guardian sign the conditional status box on the CIS form.
Exemptions: State law allows families to exempt their children from school vaccine requirements. You can find more information on the Washington State Department of Health website.
NEW Vaccine Records Tracking System: Due to changes in the Skyward system, CPSD is now using the Washington State Immunization Information System (WAIIS) School Module to update and track all student vaccine records. This system is a secure, web-based tool for healthcare providers and schools. Families can also access their children's records through My IR Mobile. You provide or deny consent to share your child's vaccine record data with WAIIS by completing or updating your child's Health Information Form in Skyward. Please contact your child's school with any questions.
Preschool Students: Students who are 4 or older as of September 1st of each school year are now required to meet preschool and kindergarten vaccine requirements. You can find more information on the Washington State Department of Health website.
7th Grade Tdap: Incoming 7th graders (and 8th-11th graders) must have a Tdap vaccine given at or after age 10. 12th grade students must have a Tdap vaccine given at or after age 7. All newly submitted Tdap documentation must meet the medically verified standard.
Virtual Students: Immunization requirements apply to all enrolled students, including those learning in virtual classrooms.
Military Families: Children of active-duty military parents or guardians must turn in documentation of immunization status on or before the first day of attendance. If they need additional vaccine doses to meet state requirements, they have 30 days from enrollment to do so.
Homeless Students: Schools cannot delay enrollment or keep homeless students out of school because they lack immunization records. We will work with the student and family to get any missing vaccines or current records.
Recommended Vaccines: Covid and Flu vaccines are recommended but are not required for school attendance.
Where can I go to get vaccines? Schedule an appointment with your child's healthcare provider to ensure that they are up to date with vaccines and checkups. Additional resources are available through our local health department. Children's Immunizations - Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (tpchd.org)
What if I cannot afford to get my child vaccinated? The Washington Childhood Vaccine Program provides all recommended vaccines at no cost to children through age 18. Providers may charge an administration fee, but you can ask to have it waived. You can find a Childhood Vaccine Program provider in your area by using this health provider map (English only) or by visiting Within Reach (English/Spanish only).
Who can I contact if I still have questions? Please contact your child’s school or visit the Washington Department of Health website if you have additional questions about these requirements. School and Child Care Immunizations Information for Families | Washington State Department of Health
Please contact your child’s school if you would like to speak with the heath room staff member or School Nurse. You can contact the CPSD Health Services Manager with any additional questions or concerns.