Immunization records for Wichita Public Schools students are due by mid-November. As KMUW’s Sean Sandefur reports, students will be excluded from school without them.
Wichita Public Schools say they have about 2,000 students whose vaccination records aren’t yet complete. If not turned in by Nov. 16, schools will begin removing students from class.
The required vaccinations include:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP)
- Poliomyelitis (IPV/OPV)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella (chickenpox)
There is a small change in immunization requirements this year: High school seniors are required to receive an additional chickenpox vaccination.
Kimber Kasitz, coordinator of health services for the district, said vaccinations not only protect students and faculty, but also those outside of school.
“We have people in our community who have low immune systems: elderly, small infants. Those people are susceptible to different disease processes, too,” Kasitz said.
There are exemptions to the immunization requirements, including children whose immune systems are weak, and those who oppose vaccination for religious reasons. A doctor’s note must accompany a medical exemption, Kasitz says.
For low-income families, or those who don’t have a pediatrician, Kasitz said the Sedgwick County Health Department has an income-based pricing system for vaccinations. GraceMed, Hunter Health Clinic, HealthCore and other health organizations also offer vaccinations.
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