Oregon Health Authority reminds families of upcoming school vaccination deadline
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- With the annual school vaccination deadline approaching, the Oregon Health Authority is reminding parents and caregivers to make sure their children’s immunizations are up to date or risk missing school.
Under state law, all students attending public and private schools, preschools, Head Start and certified child care programs must have documentation showing they are current on required vaccinations or have an exemption. This year’s Exclusion Day falls on Feb. 25.
Students who don’t have updated vaccination records by that date will be sent home until the necessary documentation is provided.
According to the Oregon Health Authority, vaccination remains one of the most effective tools for preventing highly contagious diseases. Last year, Oregon reported 1,552 cases of pertussis — the highest number in 75 years.
A new OHA report found that parents most often seek nonmedical exemptions due to vaccine safety concerns or difficulty scheduling appointments. Nonmedical exemption rates have continued to rise, reaching a record 9.7% for the 2024-2025 school year.
Local health departments have already mailed letters to families whose children are missing required vaccines. Last year, more than 22,000 letters were sent statewide, resulting in about 4,500 students being excluded until their vaccination records were updated.
Families can contact their health care provider, local health department, or visit 211info.org for vaccination clinics. No one is turned away from county health departments for being unable to pay for required vaccines.
