In a warning to parents this winter break, Seattle Public Schools is laying down a new rule that says if students aren’t up to date on their vaccinations by January 8, they won’t be allowed back in school when the break’s over, KIRO7 reports.
“Student records must reflect updated immunization status by January 8, 2020, or students cannot attend school until the required information is provided to the school nurse,” a notice from the district read.
In the wake of two measles outbreaks that affected 87 people, Washington state lawmakers voted to ban “personal” or “philosophical” exemptions for the MMR vaccine — a law that was supposed to go into effect 30 days after school started in Seattle this fall. But according to a KIRO7 investigation in October, there was no mechanism in place to enforce the law and school compliance was varied.
Parents speaking to KIRO7 expressed relief that the law is now being enforced.
“We’re all in this together,” said Grant Rhys-Jones. “If some people aren’t’ pulling their weight, it’s not good for the majority.”
Featured image via Shutterstock
