News Details

Beat the rush - County encourages students to get immunizations before heading back to school

August 10, 2017

SOLANO COUNTY – In observation of National Immunization Awareness month, County health officials are encouraging parents to plan ahead and get their children's vaccinations up to date before school or daycare starts back up again this fall.

"Every year there is a mad dash for students to get the required vaccinations for school," said Dr. Shandi J. Fuller, Clinic Physician Supervisor of Solano County Family Health Services.  “Sometimes families find it difficult because appointment slots fill up fast.  Don’t wait until the last minute - make vaccinations a part of your families back-to-school checklist.”

California state law (SB 277) requires students receive certain vaccines before attending school and / or daycare facilities.  Children will not be permitted to attend unless they have these vaccinations or have a valid medical exemption. The state law has also removed the personal belief exemption to vaccination requirements for entry to private or public schools.

For the past ten years, Solano County’s kindergarten vaccination rates (percentages of children entering kindergarten who are up-to-date with all their required vaccines) has consistently hovered around 94-95 percent, per the California Department of Public Health. The vaccination rate for Solano County kindergarteners in the current schoolyear is 97 percent.

“I am very pleased that parents continue to make sure their young children are immunized,” said Dr. Bela Matyas, Solano County Health Officer. “Vaccination helps prevent many dangerous diseases that can easily spread in schools and protects those children who cannot get shots for medical reasons.”

Parents should make an appointment for vaccines at their child’s regular doctor’s office or clinic. Parents should also be aware that vaccinations are required for students entering seventh grade. Children without health insurance, with Medi-Cal, or of American Indian or Alaskan Native descent may be eligible for vaccines at low or no cost through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program.

The Solano County Family Health Services clinics in Fairfield, Vacaville and clinics provide vaccinations through the VFC Program. For more immunization resources, visit http://eziz.org/vfc/provider-locations.  For more information on school and child care vaccination requirements and rates, visit ShotsForSchool.org.