San Rafael, CA – With the Delta variant surging in Marin County, Marin County Public Health officials strongly recommend parents of children and adolescents eligible for COVID-19 vaccination to get fully vaccinated before the start of school. They are also reminding parents to make sure their children’s vaccines are current before the first day of school or child care.
School will be starting soon: don't delay your child's routine immunizations. requires that students receive certain vaccines or they won’t be permitted to attend school or
child care, unless they have a valid
exemption. This can be challenging for busy parents who are preparing their kids to enter kindergarten or child care for the first time. Parents should also be aware that vaccinations are also required for students entering
seventh grade.
The COVID-19 vaccination is a safe and effective tool that slows the spread of disease, decreases hospitalizations, and prevents deaths. Vaccinating eligible children and adolescents also reduces community transmission.
“Last year we saw many families delay regularly scheduled childhood vaccinations,” said Dr. Lisa Santora, the County’s Deputy Public Health Officer. “That increases the risk of the return of vaccine-preventable disease like measles.”
Last year, Marin’s kindergarten vaccination rate remained high at 96.3%. With hectic summer schedules, it is advisable to make appointments before clinics fill up.
“Each fall, we encounter families who have difficulty getting the required vaccinations in time for the start of school,” said Audrey Crivello, the County’s Immunization Coordinator. “For this reason, we urge parents to make vaccinations part of their back-to-school checklist.”
Santora also strongly recommended annual vaccination for the flu, which is not part of the required package. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months of age or older.
“Influenza is a serious disease and causes a lot of school and work absenteeism,” she said. “We are happy more children are protected from preventable diseases.”
Parents should make an appointment for vaccines at their child’s regular doctor’s office or clinic. Children without health insurance, with MediCal, or of American Indian or Alaskan native descent may be eligible for vaccines at low or no cost through the
Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. For more information on school and child care vaccination requirements and rates, visit
ShotsForSchool.org.