In an effort to keep students healthy, the State of Nevada requires certain vaccines before the start of school.
For Washoe County, that's by Monday, August 10th. Those required to get vaccinations generally fall into four groups; kids heading into kindergarten, seventh grade, senior year, or those who have moved from another state with different vaccination policies.
“Vaccines are incredibly important to staving off and not contracting those diseases that are not just basic colds,” said Leslie Allfree, a coordinator for Washoe County School District’s Health Services. “These are diseases that have really significant impacts not only on the person who's ill, but on the whole, the wider community and people that they come into contact with.”
The Washoe County School District partners with Community Health Alliance and Northern Nevada Public Health, putting on several free clinics to get kids up to date on their shots.
The last one will be held Saturday, August 8th, at Northern Nevada Public Health from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Appointments are encouraged and walk in spots are limited. Click here to book an appointment.
Nevada does allow for medical and religious exemptions, but there is some paperwork that needs to be submitted as soon as possible. That can be found here.
There are consequences if it is not completed, and students are not properly vaccinated by the start of classes.
“As far as the state's concerned, they're not allowed to attend school, the first day of school,” said WCSD Health Services Director Mari Hartmann.
The vaccination clinic is free, but if a student has insurance, they need to bring their card. If they don't have insurance, they'll still be able to get vaccinated at no cost.
“There are lots of diseases out there that can be prevented by vaccines, and so if you can prevent getting sick with those and getting other people sick with those diseases, that could be incredibly serious, we're all better for it,” said Allfree.
The state of Nevada requires these vaccines in an effort to keep students and their families healthy -- and prevent the spread of diseases like meningitis.
