Letters

Thu., Aug. 26, 2010

For several months, Spokane Public Schools has been involved in updating student immunization data to ensure compliance with state requirements. Thank you to all who were impacted by this project, including:

• The Spokane community for supporting the 2003 technology bond that provided the funding to replace the school district’s outdated data system.

• The Spokane Regional Health District for grant funds that allowed trained staff to confidentially evaluate student immunization data, generate letters to parents and cover the cost of postage.

• School district technology staff for providing confidential reports.

• Parents for taking time to check their child’s records, return needed information and call when they had questions.

• Community health care providers who spent considerable time assisting parents to help in this effort.

I’m hopeful that in time, the Washington State Immunization Registry (“Child Profile”) will help minimize confusion associated with immunization requirements, eliminate duplication of efforts in maintaining immunization data and provide an opportunity to better support parents as they make informed decisions about vaccination.

While waiting for the registry to become fully populated, it’s important for parents to keep a copy of their child’s immunization records and to contact the school office as their child receives additional vaccinations.

Kathe Reed-McKay

Spokane Public Schools health services director

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