Blended Learning Resources for Parents

New School-Based Immunization Locations for All Families
August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Throughout the month of August, families should be reminded to get back on track with routine pediatric immunizations. To prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases, all students must have up-to-date pediatric immunization certification on file with their school. Beginning on the first day of the 21-22 school year, schools should notify any remaining non-compliant families that they must submit immunization certification within 20 school days or they will not be allowed to attend school until the immunization certification is secured by the school.

Students and families are encouraged to secure appointments now with their primary care physician, who will know their health history best and can support them with a full well-child visit. Families with students age 3 and older are now able to to schedule routine childhood immunization appointments through vaccinate.dc.gov. Families can make appointments at participating public and public charter schools regardless of a student’s school of enrollment. While many sites will also offer walk-up coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination opportunities for those age 12 and older, families are asked to make an appointment for required immunizations in advance so providers will have time to access a student’s immunization history. Families can go to vaccinate.dc.gov to sign up to receive updates about immunization appointments. Please refer to Mayor Bowser’s press release for more information.

OSSE has also updated the Immunization Attendance Policy and accompanying resources to support schools and families with understanding and meeting the requirements for pediatric immunizations. Access all the resources, including one-pagers and FAQs for families, on the OSSE website. The COVID-19 vaccine is not currently required for students.

For questions about the Immunization Attendance Policy, contact osse.schoolhealth@dc.gov. For questions about immunization information, data and locations where families can receive routine pediatric immunizations, contact DC Health at doh.immunization@dc.gov or visit the DC Health Immunization Program webpage.