McKenzie, Springfield Schools Remind Families of Vaccine Deadline
Update Shots or Miss School, Families Told
With Oregon’s annual school immunization deadline approaching, state health officials and local school districts are reminding families that students who are not up to date on required vaccinations may be excluded from classes beginning Feb. 25.
The Oregon Health Authority says children attending public and private schools, preschools, Head Start programs, and certified childcare facilities must provide documentation by the fourth Wednesday in February showing they have received required vaccines or have an approved exemption. This year’s exclusion date falls on Feb. 25.
“Vaccine-preventable diseases can be highly contagious,” said Stacy de Assis Matthews, school immunization coordinator with OHA’s Public Health Division. Oregon reported 1,552 cases of pertussis last year – the highest total in 75 years – underscoring the importance of vaccination to protect students and school communities, she said.
Area school districts are working to ensure families understand the requirements and have time to comply before the deadline.
In the Springfield School District, health services staff are reviewing student immunization records, reminding families to submit completed Certificate of Immunization Status forms, and helping connect parents with vaccination providers or answers to medical questions.
The McKenzie School District requires immunization documentation during student enrollment and continues outreach to families ahead of exclusion day, encouraging them to update records and obtain any missing vaccinations. Like districts statewide, McKenzie schools follow Oregon immunization laws and coordinate with public health partners to support compliance.
A recent OHA report found parents most often cite concerns about vaccine safety or difficulty scheduling appointments when seeking nonmedical exemptions. Oregon’s kindergarten nonmedical exemption rate reached a record 9.7 percent in the 2024–25 school year, the third consecutive annual high after a decade-long upward trend.
Health officials say improving access to trusted medical guidance and convenient vaccination appointments is key to reversing the increase.
County health departments mailed reminder letters to families earlier this month. During the previous school year, 22,702 letters were sent statewide, and 4,504 students were excluded from school until vaccination records were provided.
Families can contact their health care provider, local health department, or participating pharmacies – many of which vaccinate children age 7 and older. Required vaccines are available through local health departments regardless of a family’s ability to pay, and additional clinic information is available by calling 211.
State health leaders continue encouraging families to ask questions, seek reliable medical advice, and ensure children are protected before the Feb. 25 deadline to avoid missing school.
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