There have been no cases of measles within the Boise School District, but district officials are urging parents to get their students immunized before an outbreak can occur.
“In the event of a confirmed case of the measles at your child’s school, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Division of Public Health requires that children who cannot prove immunity prior to exposure must be excluded from campus for at least 21 days,” Tamara Fredrickson, the district’s student services administrator, said in a Monday email to parents and guardians. “We strongly urge you to have your child immunized prior to an outbreak and subsequent exclusion from school.”
Idaho kindergartners have one of the lowest immunization rates in the nation. An uncommonly high number of Idaho parents opt out of immunizations, citing medical, religious or philosophical concerns. Here’s a link to a recent Idaho Education News article that explores the numbers in detail.
Here’s the text of the Fredrickson’s email:
There are currently no confirmed cases of measles in the Boise School District. The safety of your child is a top priority. As such, we are closely monitoring the current measles outbreak in surrounding states and are in contact with local and state health officials.
In the event of a confirmed case of the measles at your child’s school, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Division of Public Health requires that children who cannot prove immunity prior to exposure must be excluded from campus for at least 21 days.
If you have questions regarding school-related issues (while your child is excluded) please contact your school principal. We strongly urge you to have your child immunized prior to an outbreak and subsequent exclusion from school.
For a complete list of Idaho immunization requirements, as well as information where immunizations may be obtained, please visit our Health Services – Immunizations website or call your school nurse. Central District Health has provided additional information regarding a measles outbreak.
