Annual Notification

Each child must have a record of their immunizations on a medically verified Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) or have a completed Certificate of Exemption on file for each of the diseases for which full immunization is required upon entry of school. Immunizing on time gives children the best protection. Communicable diseases still exist, and international travel can bring diseases common in other parts of the world to our communities. Keeping up-to-date records at home and at school is important. All children under the age of 19 can get immunizations at no cost in our state from clinics participating in the Vaccine for Children (VFC) program. Providers may charge an administration fee, but they must waive the fee if asked by the parent.

Find VFC clinics by using this vaccine map.

For preschool and childhood requirements:

School and Child Care Immunization

Even though Whooping Cough (Pertussis) cases in Washington State are not currently at the high levels seen in previous years, the State Department of Public Health recommends the vaccine for all children and adults. It is especially important for pregnant women in the 3rd trimester in order to protect newborns in their first months of life. Children through age 18 receive vaccines at no cost in Washington through the Childhood Vaccine Program. Many pharmacies offer low-cost Tdap booster shots for adults who don’t have insurance or can’t afford to pay for the vaccine. Low-cost vaccines may include an administrative fee, but if you cannot afford this fee, you can ask to have it waived. If you are already a client at a community health or public health center, you can also get low-cost or free whooping cough vaccines for children and adults there. For more information about whooping cough and where to obtain vaccines, visit:

Whooping Cough FAQ

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says everyone who is at least 6 months of age should get an annual flu vaccine, and that getting a flu vaccine in 2023-2024 is more important than ever. Influenza (“the flu”) is more dangerous than the common cold for children. Each year, many children get sick with seasonal influenza; some of those illnesses result in death. Each year an average of 20,000 children under the age of 5 are hospitalized because of influenza complications.

Get more information at:

FIND A VACCINATION CLINIC 

CDC Flu

THIS PRESENTATION IS FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS ONLY

The Federal Way School District provides the opportunity to share the HIV/AIDS prevention curriculum for students in grades 5 through 12 to families. This curriculum focuses on the transmission and prevention of the disease, emphasizing abstinence. The AIDS Omnibus Bill (2SSB 6221) of the State of Washington which was passed in 1998 indicates the following: 

• Sec. 402 “Students shall receive such HIV/AIDS education at least once each school year beginning no later than fifth grade.” 
• Sec. 402 “No student may be required to participate in HIV/AIDS prevention education if the student’s parents or guardian, having attended one of, the district presentations, objects in writing to the participation.”

This school year there will be two HIV and Sexual Health family information sessions offered:

• December 6, 2023 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
• March 6, 2024 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

For more information HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health Curriculum 

Meningococcal disease spreads by direct contact with infected persons by coughing, kissing, or sharing anything by mouth (water bottles, eating utensils, lipsticks, toothbrushes). Signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease usually start suddenly and include fever, headache, and a stiff neck. It can start with symptoms similar to influenza (flu). People with meningococcal disease often also have nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light, rash, and confusion. It can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infection, and Meningitis (swelling of the covering of the brain and spinal cord). Severe disease can cause brain damage, loss of hearing or limbs, and death. Fortunately, this life-threatening infection is rare. We usually have between 26 and 76 reported each year in Washington, including 1 to 8 deaths. Adolescents and young adults are more likely to get Meningococcal disease, especially if they live in group settings, like college dorms.

MCV4 protects your child against the most common types of bacteria that cause Meningococcal disease. Washington provides all recommended vaccines for kids through age 18, available from healthcare providers across the state. Providers may charge an office visit fee and an administration fee to give the vaccine. People who can’t afford the administration fee can ask to have it waived. Healthy teens should get one dose of MCV4 at age 11-12 years. Teens who did not get their first dose at that time should get a dose as soon as possible. A second dose (or booster) is now recommended at age 16 or any time before college. Talk to your healthcare provider about this vaccine.

Learn more about Meningococcal disease and how to prevent it at the sites in the sidebar.