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Immunizations and Vaccines

Immunization is the process whereby a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine. Vaccines stimulate the body's own immune system to protect the person against subsequent infection or disease.

Herd immunity is achieved when a large number of people in the community are immune to disease, ideally this is accomplished through vaccination rather than disease. Herd immunity is important in order to protect the health of our community in general but, particularly for:

Babies who are too young to get vaccinated
People who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons
And people whose bodies are unable to make an adequate response to vaccination

SB 277, which became effective January 1, 2016, prevents exemptions for required vaccines for school or childcare entry. Personal Belief Exemptions in place before January 1, 2016 will be honored until the next immunization checkpoint, at entrance to transitional kindergarten/kindergarten and 7th grade.

School/Child Care Requirements