2024 immunization clinics
Immunization FAQ – from Clark County Washington Public Health
State of Washington school immunization requirements
Washington state law requires certain immunizations against childhood diseases for all students, regardless of age, who attend a public or private school or a licensed day care center. *Washington state does NOT require students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend school.
On or before the first day of attendance, the school must receive medically verified proof of the child’s:
full immunizations,
initiation of schedule of immunizations, or
certificate of exemption, current with the state requirements.
A completed and signed certificate of immunization status (Свидетельство о состоянии иммунизации) (Certificado de Estado de Vacunación) (свідоцтва про стан імунізації) is required to be on file at the school, preschool or child care facility.
The Washington state Department of Health offers MyIR for secure, online management of family immunization records. Once you register, you can access the records any time and even print your child’s certificate of immunization status for school entry. Register for MyIR.
Low-cost accident and sickness insurance
Out-of-pocket expenses for medical care can be significant. Low-cost insurance plans are available for families. To learn more about available coverage, please explore the following flyers for details. If you are ready to enroll online, please visit Myers-Stevens & Toohey & Co website.
Страхование учащихся от несчастных случаев и болезней (Обновлённая форма скоро появится)
When flu seasons hits
Get more information on flu symptoms, how flu is spread, as well as tips for stopping the spread of germs.
When to keep your child at home
Health and attendance brochure
Pautas para dejar los niños en casa
Когда детей нужно держать дома
Health information and resources
Washington Apple Health for Kids (free or low-cost health care coverage for eligible children)
Minors’ access to health care (Learn about permission for health care services under Washington state law at Washington Law Help)
Medications
Battle Ground Public Schools recognizes that in certain infrequent cases, students must take medication at school. When a health condition requires that a student be given prescription or non-prescription (over-the-counter) medication during school hours, a Medication in school form must be completed giving authorization by the student’s parent/legal guardian and written instructions and signature of the prescribing licensed health care provider or dentist.
The authorization must contain inclusive dates for each medication and any changes in the dosage or administrative instructions as they occur.
Only medication in containers properly labeled by the licensed health care provider, dentist, pharmacist or manufacturer and brought to school by the parent or legal guardian will be accepted for administration by the school.
Only school district personnel trained and delegated by the School Nurse are authorized to administer medication at school.
Potentially life-threatening conditions
According to state law, students with a potentially life threatening health condition cannot attend school unless the following conditions are met:
A current medication and/or treatment order from a licensed health care provider must be on file with the school nurse. This order must be renewed each school year. Prescribed medication or equipment identified in the order necessary to carry out the order must be brought to the school by the parent prior to the first day of school.
An emergency action care plan, written by the school nurse in cooperation with you and the licensed health care provider, must be in place prior to the student’s first day of attendance at school.
Health conditions that are considered to be potentially life threatening are asthma, severe allergies, diabetes, heart, seizures, neurological disorders and bleeding disorders. Please contact your school nurse for further information and questions.
Required forms, policies and information:
BGSD meds in school form
Policy 3416: Medication in school
Adrenal
Asthma
Bleeding disorders
Concussion and sudden cardiac arrest
Battle Ground Public Schools believes participating in athletics improves physical fitness, coordination, and self-discipline and gives students valuable opportunities to learn important social and life skills. But like most activities, participation in athletics comes with risks. Washington state law requires parents/guardians of and student athletes to be informed about and made aware of the nature and risk of concussion/head injury and sudden cardiac arrest. Informed consent must be signed by parents and youth athletes about the dangers of sports-related head injuries and sudden cardiac arrest. The forms and facts sheets are included below.
Coronavirus
The health of our children is important to all of us. Battle Ground Public Schools is working with Clark County Public Health and the Washington state Department of Health to continue best practices for responding to COVID-19.
COVID safety in schools
Battle Ground Public Schools is following the standard guidelines for keeping children home from school. These are based on the infectious disease guidelines provided by Clark County Department of Health. The guidelines apply to both staff and students. Staff and volunteers are no longer required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Volunteers must still complete the standard clearance process. General masking is optional in schools..
Anyone may choose to continue wearing a mask on school grounds. We expect our students and staff to continue to show respect for one another and the many different viewpoints that make up our community.
Rapid test kits will continue to be available in buildings for use at home. Depending on availability, these also may be obtained through the Washington Department of Health website.
Staying healthy
Clark County Public Health recommends that people take the following actions to prevent colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19.
Stay home if running a fever or experiencing other symptoms of illness. See our guidelines for keeping children home from school for more information.
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently touched.
COVID-19 cases in schools
Starting with the 2023-24 school year, the district will no longer maintain a COVID-19 information dashboard. Information on outbreaks, as identified in consultation with Clark County Public Health, will continue to be communicated to staff and families as necessary.
Parent resources
Talking with children during infectious disease outbreaks (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
When and how to wash your hands (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Masks
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said mask usage can help to limit the spread of COVID-19 in areas of high transmission. Mask usage is currently optional in Battle Ground Public Schools.
Diabetes
Heart
Neurological Disorders
Seizures
Severe Allergies
School Health Services and Nursing Supervisor
Cathy Shannon, MN, RN
Email Cathy Shannon
360-885-5436
Registered nurses support health and safety of students
BGPS nurses support the educational process by improving the health and safety of our students. They practice and deliver services as registered nurses under the professional standards and licensure requirements set by the Washington state Board of Nursing, the Washington state Board of Education and our professional nursing organization. School nurses interact with other school staff as well as doctors, social workers and other health professionals to help ensure that students are ready to learn.
Each of the registered nurses in our district oversees the health and welfare of about 1,400 children, including those who are medically fragile and/or have life-threatening conditions, as well as numerous staff members. Our health rooms average 50 visits per day. Annually, our nurses give more than 30,000 doses of medications, many of which can only be administered by a medically certificated professional. Our school health staff also make 40 or more emergency 911 calls every year and contact thousands of parents for a host of health-related issues.
