Immunizations

Immunizations

Washington state law requires children enrolling in public schools to present proof of immunity to specific communicable diseases. Immunizations shall be provided against Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella.

Required Vaccinations the 2023-24 School Year

You can learn more about immunization records and requirements on the Department of Health website.

Proof of Immunization

Beginning with the 2020-21 school year, all newly submitted immunization documents must meet the medically verified standard.

Additionally, students must receive all eligible vaccines before starting school. There is no longer a 30-day conditional/grace period. Students attending school virtually because of school changes during the COVID-19 pandemic still need to be in compliance with all immunization requirements.

Immunization records turned in to the school must be from a health care provider or you must attach paperwork from a health care provider to your handwritten form that shows your child’s records are accurate. Your child cannot attend school until you provide these records.

Here are some examples of medically verified immunization records:

  • A completed Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) signed by a health care provider. Find the CIS form by visiting https://www.doh.wa.gov/SCCI and clicking on “Certificate of Immunization Status."
  • A CIS filled out by you or another parent/guardian with medical records attached.
  • A CIS printed by a health care provider or school from the Washington State Immunization Information System.
  • A CIS printed from MyIR which is a free Department of Health online tool that allows families to view and print their official immunization records themselves. Go to https://wa.myir.net/register to begin the sign-up process.

If your child already meets immunization requirements and has records on file with the school, you do not need to do anything. If you aren’t sure, or if you have any questions, please contact the nurse or office staff for your child's school.

You can read more about the updated immunization requirements on the Department of Health website and view their examples of medically verified records flier in English and Spanish.

School or Child Care Exemptions from Immunization Requirements

Washington State Law allows parents or guardians to exempt their child from the school or child care immunization requirements. Exemptions may be claimed for personal/philosophical, religious or medical reasons. Measles, mumps and rubella may not be exempted for personal/philosophical reasons.

To request an exemption, a completed Certificate of Exemption must be submitted to the school or child care center. More information about exemptions is available on the Department of Health website.

Immunization Clinic Information

Immunizations are no longer given at Lakewood WIC or at the Student Services Center on the first day of school. Prior to the first day of school, please take your student(s) to their health care provider or one of the sites found on the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Immunization page.

Please contact the sites below for locations and times to receive immunizations or make an appointment with your child’s health care provider.

  • Mary Bridge Children's Health Center (253) 403-1767