All K-12 students need required vaccinations by the first day of school

On the first day of school, students are required to have more than notebooks and pencils: Immunization vaccinations now required by the state are also on the list.

Last year, Gov. Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 277, eliminating a provision that had allowed students to skip vaccinations due to personal beliefs or religious exemptions. The new law took effect on Jan. 1.

All students who attend school or child care facilities, public or private, are required to have the necessary vaccinations by the first day of school, which for many districts in Merced County will be Aug. 15.

Students in home-based private schools or an independent study program not receiving classroom-based instruction are still able to opt out of the vaccination requirement.

Brian Meisenheimer, director of pupil services for the Merced City School District, said there have been no complaints or resistance to the new law in Merced. Meisenheimer urges parents and caregivers to make sure students have had all the necessary vaccinations by the first day of school in order to avoid missing class time.

“It’s a requirement by the law, and we want our kids to start on the first day,” Meisenheimer said. “It’s essential to try and get shots as early as possible.”

Students can receive their vaccinations at Department of Public Health clinics by appointment or walk-in. There are clinics in Merced and Los Banos and schedules can be found at http://www.co.merced.ca.us/index.aspx?NID=550.

Golden Valley Health Center also offers the necessary vaccinations, said Mary-Michal Rawling, director of governmental affairs at Golden Valley. Rawling encourages patients to get their vaccinations as soon as they can, because Golden Valley usually becomes busier with vaccination appointments as the first day of school approaches.

“We’re getting many calls from parents that waited until the last minute,” Rawling said.

As of now, patients can call 866-682-4842 to make an appointment, Rawling said, and she encourages people to call right at 7 a.m. because slots fill up fast, especially as the start of school approaches.

This story was originally published August 3, 2016 at 4:07 PM with the headline "All K-12 students need required vaccinations by the first day of school."