COSTA MESA / NEWPORT BEACH : Immunization Policy on Board’s Agenda
New rules governing health assessment and immunization of children entering public school in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa will go before the Newport-Mesa Unified School District board today.
The rules codify a district policy for maintaining student health and heading off potentially debilitating diseases.
The immunization requirements state that first-time pupils must show proof of having received state-mandated health assessments within six months of starting kindergarten or within 18 months of starting first grade.
All Newport-Mesa students must also undergo an immunization assessment. Pupils may show proof of immunizations--signed by the administering physician--for diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles and rubella. Parents must provide documentation of mumps immunizations for children 6 and younger.
Parents may sign waivers exempting their children from immunizations for religious or philosophical reasons. They may also secure permanent or temporary medical exemptions for pupils who have diseases or other conditions that preclude administering an immunization.
In lieu of immunizations for measles, rubella and mumps, parents may submit a physician’s statement that the child has had the disease, negating the need for immunization.
Other matters before the school board today include declarations making May Public Schools Month, May 7 to 13 the Week of the Teacher and May 10 Day of the Teacher, as well as a resolution shifting the April 11 board meeting to April 4.
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