Is your student up-to-date on Oregon vaccinations?

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Students in Oregon need to be up-to-date on vaccinations by this coming Wednesday or else they won’t be able to attend school, according to state law.

Parents need to have their child immunized by Feb. 19 or their child will be excluded from school if their records show they are missing immunizations.

Oregon law also states all children in public and private schools, preschools, Head Start and certified child care facilities must have current immunization documentation or have an exemption by the Exclusion Day.

• Vaccines and Immunization

There are several free vaccination clinics across the Portland metro to help give parents the chance to get their child vaccinated before Wednesday.

One of those, at David Douglas High School, brought a number of parents and their children into compliance.

• Multnomah County Student Health Centers
• Multnomah County Immunizations
• Vaccine Finder

Multnomah County Health Officer Dr. Richard Bruno told KOIN 6 News these vaccines help keep kids safe from all the communicable diseases going around right now, including flu and pertussis.

“In schools, kids can be exposed to multiple kinds of viruses and bacteria that can cause them to get sick or ill. When we make sure people are caught up on their vaccines, that means they’re protected, they have extra seat belts on to protect them from whatever kinds of viruses or bacteria may come their way, or spreading them among their friends, schoolmates or teachers.

Bruno said they sent out “about 500 less reminder letters this year, so I think more people are getting on board, more folks are getting on board in their regular primary care visits.”

He added they can see and take care of anyone between the ages of 5-19 without insurance or ID.

There are more free vaccination clinics over the next few days, including a Care Oregon clinic from 8-11 a.m. Wednesday at the Boys and Girls Club Rockwood.

In Washington County, there are clinics planned for Tuesday and Wednesday at Merlo Station High School in Beaverton. There will also be clinics held at Tualatin High School on Tuesday and Wednesday.