Measles and Vaccinations

With the growing concern about the Measles outbreaks across the country, Idaho wants to help make parents and guardians aware of what they need to do to ensure they and their child(ren) are protected.  Currently only 73.9% of Idaho's children between 19 months and 35 months old have received their primary vaccination series.  This is well below the recommended 90% rate to prevent the spread of contagious diseases such as measles.

The CDC encourages parents to follow this schedule:

• Children 12-15 months old should get their first dose.
• Children 4-6 years old should get their second dose.
• If a child has not been vaccinated on the recommended schedule, it is not too late.  Parents should talk to their doctor immediately.
• Teens or adults who were never vaccinated should get at least one dose.
• Adults in high-risk situations (post secondary students, health care professional, international travelers) who were never vaccinated should get two doses.
• Women of childbearing age should make sure they are vaccinated before they get pregnant.
• If you were born from 1957-1968, you are encouraged to be re-vaccinated.

The Genesee Joint School District highly encourages parents to vaccinate all child(ren).  All children must present a valid immunization record to school officials or completed exempt forms.  Families who chose not to vaccinate will be notified by the district if an outbreak occurs and students may be denied attendance depending on the risk and number of students affected.  If you have any questions, you may contact heather Morrow, School Nurse at hmorrow@sd282.org or Wendy Moore, Supt. at wmoore@sd282.org or call 208-285-1161.

Resources:

·       https://www.getimmunizedidaho.org/

·       Board Policy 470.20

·       https://idahopoliticsweekly.com/politics/2612-press-release-get-immunized-to-protect-against-measles

·       https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/Portals/0/Health/Idaho%20Immunizations/Schools/201819GuideSchool%20Immunization%20RequirementsFinal.pdf